Thomas “Pope” Popish, 71 of Ashland, NE, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 22, 1943 in Cambria, PA to Raymond John and Tillie (Weaver) Popish. When Thomas was nine years old his family moved to Omaha, NE. He graduated from Omaha South High School. In 1972, Thomas moved to the Memphis, NE area where he lived the rest of his life. On September 5, 1981, he was united in marriage to Barbara Sue Fidler in Memphis, NE. Through the years, Thomas worked at Paxton Mitchell Iron Foundry for several years and spent eight years at ER Hanson and Sons. He enjoyed his time working at Indian Creek Cattle Co. and he worked at Western Sand and Gravel for 25 years until his retirement.

Family was the most important part of his life, especially in his later years. He cherished the time they had watching the Husker and Pittsburgh Steeler football games. He also enjoyed the yearly vacations his family took to the Black Hills. Thomas was a AAA Class trap shooter and he loved hunting, fishing, and golfing.

He is survived by wife of 32 years, Barbara Popish; children, Scott (Cara) Nicholson of Memphis and Tami and T.J. Ridall of Omaha; one grandchild and two great-grandchildren; mother, Tillie Popish; brother, Bruce (Linda) Popish of Papillion; sister, Janet (Kent) Ross of Bellevue; sister-in-law, Marky Fidler of Memphis; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by son, Thomas Lynn Popish; father, Raymond J. Popish; brother, Raymond D. Popish.