Howard A. "Poppy" Tope, 91, of Collinsville, Ill., born May 12, 1921, in Rockwood, Ill., died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at Relais Bonne Eau Hospice Home in Edwardsville, Ill., surrounded by family.

Howard was a United States Army veteran serving in Europe during World War II. In 1982, he retired from Mallinckrodt Chemical, St. Louis, Mo., with more than 30 years of service as a supervising licensed stationary engineer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Collinsville, Ill., where, after his retirement, he served as an usher and assisted with homebound visits. Howard enjoyed owning and restoring antique automobiles. He had the gifted ability to build, restore or repair most anything. He was meticulous with his work and generous in offering his help to others.

Mr. Tope was preceded in death by his loving wife, June, nee Davis, Tope, whom he married Sept. 23, 1944, and who died Dec. 6, 2002; his parents, Jess and Mae, nee Dilday, Tope; and a brother, Harold Tope. He was also preceded suddenly 5 days earlier on February 11th, by his dear son-in-law, Richard Taake, who was compassionate in assisting with Poppy's needs over the past few years.

Surviving are his two daughters, Karen Renee Taake of Collinsville, Ill., and Kelly (Keith) Page of O'Fallon, Ill.; a granddaughter, Katy (Ted) Gayford of Edwardsville, Ill.; two grandsons, Dusty and Brady Page of O'Fallon, Ill.; a great-granddaughter, Sadie Gayford; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lyle and Jean Davis of Valrico, Fla.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation many that have cared for Howard since suffering a debilitating injury five years ago: Dr. James Simmering, Dr. Christopher Farrar, Dr. Paulo Bicalho and the staff of Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Ill.; the staff of The Fountains of Troy and of Faith Countryside Homes, Highland, Ill.; and a very special thanks to a wonderful caregiver, Nancy Rogers.

Per Howard's request, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Collinsville, Ill., or to the Anderson Hospital Foundation, c/o Alice Drobisch, 6800 State Rt. 162, Maryville, Ill. 62062. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., with the Rev. Greg Pratt and the Rev. Ron Hill officiating. Burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill.