Paul Werner Kopp, 88, of Festus, formerly of Crystal City, died Feb. 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Kopp was a 1964 University of Wisconsin graduate and received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He started working at PPG in Crystal City in 1964 and held various management positions until the plant closed in 1991. He then worked in Shekou, China, for PPG as plant manager for seven years until his retirement in 1998. He was a longtime leader in Boy Scout Troop 407, a member of the Crystal City Park Board during the 1970 dedication of the park expansion project and an instrumental member of the Crystal City School Board when the 1979 proposition passed for major renovations of the elementary school. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed weekly golf outings, playing bridge, attending dinner parties and going on many vacations with his wife and his group of friends in the Twin City area. He and his wife enjoyed extensive travel to six continents and more than 20 countries. He was known for his generosity and for helping those in need. He was known as “PK” by his friends and “Gramps” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born Aug. 6, 1937, in Madison, Wis., he was the son of the late Hildegarde (Lange) and Walter Werner Kopp.
He was preceded in death by wife: Judith “Judy” (Hilgers) Kopp.
He is survived by a daughter: Carol (Denny) McHenry of Republic; two sons: Chris (Nickie) Kopp of Sappington and David (Kari) Kopp of Crestwood; a brother: Wally (the late Ninfa) Kopp of Chandler, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Bob (the late Hattie) Kopp and Dick (the late Dottie) Kopp; and a sister: Carolyn (the late Jim) Mohoney.
A memorial visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Brother Matt Culbertson, pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Festus. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation at parkinsonhope.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.