John Dale Ropp

John Dale Ropp, one of Louisiana’s most prolific football coaches, passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 95. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches on Thursday, December 18, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A private family burial service will be at the American Cemetery.

John was born on March 13, 1930, in Natchitoches, to parents Dr. R.L. Ropp and Effie Lee Jones Ropp. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Quincy Lincecum Ropp, and by his brother, Col. Ralph L. Ropp, and sister, Linda Lou Ropp.

John was one of very few to coach at the elementary, junior high, high school and college levels. He was the first coach at Airline High School in Bossier City and coached the offensive line at Northwestern State University for nine seasons. He was named to the Bossier Hall of Fame and also to the Northwestern Graduate N Club Hall of Fame. During his 20-plus years as a teacher and coach, John touched many young lives and stayed close to several of his student-athletes, especially dear friend Russell Jones.

Following his retirement from Northwestern, John was a successful businessman selling hydraulic fitness equipment. In later life he enjoyed hobbies including poetry, magic and ventriloquism. He delighted different groups and organizations with his performances, and family events always included raucous calls to be entertained by Uncle John.

Although John and Quincy didn’t have children of their own, they were loving role models to nieces Meg Ropp Mattei, Karen Green Cox, Kelley May Bingham and Kirkland Ropp Crosby, and to nephew R. Lewis Ropp. John is also survived by his sister-in-law Fran Moses Ropp, and by 13 great-nieces and -nephews, and 17 great-great nieces and nephews, most of whom have been thrilled to see Uncle John make a dime disappear into a small tattoo on his arm … and reappear behind your ear! We’re not sad that he’s gone to be with the Lord; we’re sad to be deprived of his fine company.

John enjoyed the Christian fellowship of his Sunday School class called Couples Too and was happy to be a member of the Walter Ledet Coffee Club.

The family suggests memorials in John’s remembrance be made to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 508 Second St, Natchitoches, LA 71457.