Johnnie Robert "Bob" Kropp, age 78, a longtime resident of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home in Canal Winchester, Ohio, on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

A visitation with family greeting friends will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Bob was born on March 3, 1947, in Plainview, Texas, to Paul and Beth Kropp. He was raised on Green Acres Farms, a large and diverse farming and livestock operation located near Lockney, Texas, in the Texas Panhandle. The Kropp family became well known for their remarkable success in the show ring, winning multiple championships across several states and providing genetics for countless operations across the country. One of Bob's most distinguished accomplishments came when he exhibited the grand champion lamb at Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso - all in the same year - a feat never before achieved at the time. Showing and judging livestock was his lifelong passion, one that carried him from being named the Texas 4-H State Judging High Individual in 1964 to judging and coaching at Oklahoma State University for many years.

After graduating from Lockney High School in 1965, Bob earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from Oklahoma State University, studying under many industry legends on faculty. In 1972, he began a distinguished academic career at OSU, where he served for over four decades as a professor and as Head Livestock Judging Team Coach from 1972 to 1981, 1992. Under his leadership, the team competed in 52 intercollegiate contests, earning 16 Champion Team titles, 39 Top Five finishes, and securing a Reserve National Championship in 1973 and National Championships in 1979 and 1981 (the latter with coach Kim Brock). Dr. Kropp's most enduring legacy was the profound impact he had on his students. Over the course of his teaching career, he taught more than 12,000 students and personally advised over 1,500 undergraduates, shaping the lives and careers of multiple generations of agricultural professionals, ranchers, and farmers.

A recognized authority in beef cattle production, Bob delivered more than 300 presentations across 25 states and internationally in Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil, and the Bahamas. Also, he judged more than 700 livestock shows around the world. His talks addressed a wide range of topics including beef production, breeding program design, skeletal structure, marketing, and carcass merit. He also served as a consultant to numerous registered and commercial cow-calf operations across the United States and abroad. His leadership extended to prominent roles within the industry. He served a six-year term on the National Board of Directors of the International Brangus Breeders of America. For over 26 years, he was actively involved with the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, where he chaired the Breed Advisory Committee for 25 years, served on the National Board of Directors for a decade, and held the position of National Secretary and Executive Committee member. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the TLBAA Hall of Fame in 2022.

Above all, Bob was a dedicated family man who led by example in every aspect of life. He was married to Susan Marie (Barr) for 53 years until her passing in 2021, and together they raised one son, Paul David Kropp, who followed in his father's footsteps by graduating from Oklahoma State University and building a career in agriculture. Bob especially cherished attending his grandchildren's sporting events, cheer competitions, and school activities-always present, always supportive, often providing advice and encouragement. He looked forward to each and every event.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Bob. He was an avid golfer, bowler, softball and basketball player, and a loyal fan of Oklahoma State University athletics. A season ticket holder for over 50 years, he proudly wore orange and loved cheering and critiquing his Cowboys. Known for his warm smile, engaging stories, and welcoming spirit, Bob valued and nurtured the many friendships he built throughout his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his parents Paul and Beth Kropp, his brother Jimmy Kropp, and his sister Paulette Savage.

He is survived by his son Paul Kropp and wife Missy of Oologah, Oklahoma; his grandchildren Carson and Kennedy Kropp; his brother-in-law David Shawn Barr of Oklahoma City; and his significant other Mariette Benage of Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Bob will be remembered for his dedication to education, his contributions to the livestock industry, his passion for students, and his enduring love for his family, friends, and the Oklahoma State University community.
"It's Been a Ride!" - Dr. Bob Kropp

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests contributions may be made to the scholarship fund established in Bob's honor by going to https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=20-68700