Arthur Poplin

Arthur Leroy Poplin, a longtime resident of Seminole, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Leroy was born to George Clyde and Sue “Nisbett” Poplin on April 3, 1932, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. He was the fifth of seven children in the Poplin family.

The family moved to Seminole when he was very young, and he considered Seminole his lifetime home. He attended Seminole schools, graduating from Seminole High School. Following high school graduation, he attended East Central State College transferring to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with degrees in Finance and Economics. Leroy enlisted in the U. S. Army after graduation and served in France. Leaving active duty in 1958, he returned to Seminole and began working with his father at First Federal Savings and Loan. He met and married Betty Morton Turner in September of 1959. He remained with First Federal for many years serving as President and serving a term on the Area Savings and Loan Board. After working at First Federal Savings and Loan he and Betty opened a vending machine business, B & L Vending.

The church and community were always important to Leroy. He served as an Elder of the First Christian Church for many years. He was also a member of the local Kiwanis club and a served on the City Council of Seminole. He was generous, quietly helping those less fortunate. Leroy had a deep appreciation for history and enjoyed reading biographies and historical fiction. He took his family on trips to many points of local history and looked forward to driving during the fall to enjoy the Autumn leaves. He demonstrated his love for the pets of all of his family members by always have a treat ready for them when they came to visit. One thing all of his children and grandchildren agree on is that he never met a bowl of ice cream he didn’t like.

Leroy is survived by Betty, his wife of 61 years and three children, Jan (Kent) Gravley, Donald (Kathy) Poplin, and Judy (Ricky) Sullinger as well as four grandchildren, Benjamin, Susannah, Laura, and Melissa. One sister, Billie Jean Tipton also survives him. His parents, four brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

This statement from his niece, Jean, provides an accurate picture of the man we all loved, “Leroy was probably the most sweet and gentle man I’ve ever known. I can hear his laugh now and see his smile, and I don’t know anyone with a stronger hug. We will miss him.”

A memorial celebration of Leroy’s life will be held at a future time, to be determined. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the National Kidney Foundation for the benefit of Laura Gravley.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, OK.