Louis Poplinger

Louis L. Poplinger, 94, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2010, in his home. Following a private graveside service at Corinth Cemetery, Prairie Village, Kan., a celebration of his life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at The Forum, 3501 West 95th Street, Overland Park, Kan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Luke's Hospice. Louis was born Sept. 19, 1916, in New York City, a city he always loved to visit, but spent his childhood in Tulsa, Okla. He was on the varsity debating team at The University of Michigan and then went on to attend Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1942. Louis believed that he lived in the best of times, a time that allowed him to practice law in a way that was more personal and less regimented. He was an attorney for 18 years at Watson, Ess, Groner, Barnett and Whittaker in Kansas City (later Watson, Ess, Marshall and Enggas), becoming a partner of the firm. He then joined Western Auto Supply Company as General Counsel, later becoming a Vice President and board member. He served as General Counsel and board member of Ava Gabor International and Midland International Corporation. He also worked in the lumber, oil and gas industries for clients including Pickering Lumber Company and Dierks Lumber Corporation. He took great pride in his work and was particularly proud to have worked with many legal and business luminaries. After being an active member of the Missouri Bar for 62 years, he retired in 2005 at the age of 88. He was a charter member of Homestead Country Club and a member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club. Louis was happily married to Magdalene Puhr Poplinger for 47 years until her death in 1996. He later married Beverly Cochran Lowry, whom he had known for many years. This marriage resulted in the remaining years of his life being enjoyable, happy and most pleasantly spent. He delighted in spending time with his family. Louis is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; his son and daughter-in- law, James and Nancy Poplinger; two grandchildren and one great-grandson; and Beverly's son and daughter-in-law, Kent and Susan Lowry; daughter, Sharon Klose; and three grandchildren. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to St. Luke's Hospice and to Bernice Coleman for the exceptional care given. Louis loved life and loved being with and around people. He was an avid world traveler, a voracious reader of books of all genres and enjoyed golf in his later years. He always expressed his gratefulness to his loving family, friends and God for a most exciting, happy and fulfilling life.

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