George Scott Koppa, known affectionately to friends and family as Scott, entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2025, at the age of 50. Born on November 9, 1974, in Fort Scott, Kansas, Scott was a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown, where he also peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family.
Scott was the cherished son of George and Marsha Koppa (Thurston) and a devoted brother to Richard Koppa and his wife Bobbie. He was a proud father to his three children, Mackenzie Koppa (Blaine Thompson), Ivy Koppa (Connor Medlin), and Ian Koppa, and a doting grandfather to Caydence Anderson and Saige Thompson who he relished in the joys of playing with. His family circle extended to include his loving daughter, Samantha Garwood (Kyle Barrett).
Scott was preceded in death by his uncles, Johnny Thurston and Michael Thurston, his maternal grandparents Richard and Mary Ann Thurston, and paternal grandparents Louise and Francis Pace and William Koppa whose memories he held close to his heart.
A proud graduate of Fort Scott High School’s class of 1993, Scott’s commitment to education led him to continue his studies at Fort Scott Community College, where he graduated in 1995. His academic pursuits were a testament to his belief in the power of learning and the importance of personal growth. Scott’s interests were as unique and rich as his personality. An avid collector, he found great joy in hunting for coins and memorabilia, each piece adding to a tapestry of stories he loved to share. His generous spirit was evident in the care he took of his collections, and his thoughtfulness shone through in the way he cherished each item’s history. Those who knew Scott best would describe him as funny, generous, and thoughtful. His sense of humor was infectious, lighting up any room he entered.
Scott’s generosity knew no bounds, and he was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. His thoughtful nature was evident in the considerate way he treated everyone he met, always with kindness and respect. Scott’s legacy is one of laughter, kindness, and love. He lived his life with a generosity of spirit that touched everyone he knew.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories told by those who loved him, the collections he curated with such passion, and the enduring love he had for his family. As we bid farewell to Scott, we reflect on a life well-lived, a life filled with joy, laughter, and an abundance of love. His presence will be deeply missed, but the imprint he left on the hearts of those who knew him will never fade. Scott’s journey on this earth was a testament to the beauty of a life spent in service to others, the pursuit of one’s passions, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Rest in peace, Scott; your memory will forever be a treasure to us all.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Care to Share which may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.