Heaven gained a warrior, humans lost a great man!
To some people, Petru Popa (of Simian, Bihor, Romania) born on February 19, 1949 was a simple farmer. To others, he was a humble and a godly pastor, who sacrificed time and personal money to help build, restore and maintain churches both in physical and spiritual realm; here in the States as well as in Romania while the country was under the heavy burden of communist regime. To Maria, he was the lover of her heart and in unity, on September 29, 1968 they promised before the Lord to love and to cherish each other. Since then, Petru proved to be a lovely companion and a great provider. To his 11 children and their spouses, Petru was a great role model. He molded in their hearts the passion for Christ, desire to help those in need and empowerment of knowledge to succeed in life. To his 38 grandchildren he was a great joy to be around and an inspiration to love nature and respect God's creation. To the Romanian Christian communities in Dallas, Texas; Portland, Oregon and Springfield, Missouri, Petru Popa was a well respected man. To all that came in contact with him, he proved that living for Christ is worth living despite illnesses and temporary suffering. For the last 3 years, to doctors and medical personnel both in Springfield and St. Louis, Petru was a living miracle whom survived dozens of medical procedures with little or no survival expectancy. God took him through them all and gave Petru more chances to testify and talk about his God Almighty.
With great joy and anticipation, Petru looked forward for the date of September 22, 2018 when together with his family and friends he was preparing for a great and marvelous day! However, he will not celebrate his (50th) Golden Wedding Anniversary with Maria. Instead he will start a new journey walking on Golden Streets of Heaven along his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, together with his son Dănuț, his parents Primus and Floarea Popa, Mother-in-law Maria Cociuba, brother-in-law Dumitru Popa, sister-in-law Magdalena Bodea, niece Marcela Popa and other extended family members.
We are broken hearted for the great loss, yet we have peace that at last Petru is suffering no more.
Petru wants us all to keep in mind the sweet and assuring words of Jesus Christ written in Luke 14:1 “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
Petru Popa was a great and godly man and he will forever be alive in our hearts!
Petru is survived by his loving wife Maria Popa (67) and ten of his children (in bold letters) along with their spouses and children.
Ionel & Emilia and their children: David, Jonathan and Abigail Popa.
Petrica & Luminita and their daughters: Rebecca, Rachel, Naomi, Natalie, Elizabeth Popa.
Daughter-in-law Georgia (Giugea) and her children: Adrian, Gabriel, Adonia and Isaac Popa.
Cornel (Iani) & Daniela and their children: Emanuel, Damaris, Joshua and Caleb Popa.
Ovidiu & Lidia and their children: Nathalia, Naomi, Nicole, Hannah, Hadassah and Jacob Popa.
Florin (Fred) & Larisa and their children: Estera, Leah, Sarah, Samuel, Nathan and Eunice Popa.
Marcel & Angela and their children: Landon, Sophia, Lauren and Noah Popa.
Florin & Adina and their daughters: Eden and Noella Tocai.
Elisei & Lidia and their daughters: Sephora and Zahra Pricop.
Samuel & Lidia Popa.
Samuel & Camelia and their daughters: Evelyn and Afia Lasc.
Petru is also survived by brother Viorel and his wife Anisoara Popa, sister Viorica Popa and a multitude of extended family members which all will forever treasure the memory of his life.
Until we see again on the streets of New Jerusalem, goodbye father and rest in peace.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri 65809.