Cobert Eugene "Gene" Zopp, age 80, of Gallipolis Ferry, WV, passed away Tuesday morning, December 30, 2025 at his residence. He was born May 21, 1945, in South Charleston, WV. He was the son of the late Evangelist Lorance Cobert Zopp and Emma Zopp. He attended St. Albans High School, where he served as the student council president and graduated in 1963 as valedictorian. He held multiple degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics and ultimately graduated Magna Cum Laude with a PhD in Biblical Studies.

Gene served the majority of his life as an evangelist. He preached his first sermon at the age of 15. When he was 20, he was hired as the minister of the Henderson Church of Christ, where he served for 26 years. In 1970-71, he designed and helped build the church building from the ground up. He also created and directed the Camp Canaan Bible Camp for 23 years. He has officiated hundreds of weddings and funerals throughout this area. He conducted gospel meetings in several states including WV, OH, VA, NC, SC, MD, KY and PA. Gene also worked as a Certified Optician, predominantly at the Holzer Clinic. In later years, he worked as a tax professional with H&R Block.

Gene was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing and woodworking. He especially enjoyed spending time at his beloved Lake Sherwood, where he fished and camped almost every summer with family and friends for the past 70+ years.

Gene dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Barr-Simms Zopp of Gallipolis Ferry, WV, daughter, Melissa (Bryan) Martin of Cincinnati, OH, and son, Mark (Julie) Zopp of Follansbee, WV. Preceding him in death are his stepsons Justin Simms of St. Albans, WV and Jason Simms of Gallipolis Ferry, WV and his sister Lou (Tony) Rawe of Calhan, CO.

Known as "Papa" and "Papa G," he is greatly beloved by his 7 grandchildren: Kenzie Martin (Nick) Hoar and Mitchell (Madison) Martin, Morgan Zopp, Mason Zopp and Mia Zopp, Chelsea Simms (Andy) Hapney and Eli Simms and 4 great grandchildren: Nolan Hapney, Declan Martin, Ezra Hoar, Beckett Hapney, August Hoar and Daisy Martin.

There will be a celebration of Gene's life at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Henderson Church of Christ, 209 Walnut Street, Henderson, WV, 25106, with Minister Russ V. Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memorial Gardens. There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at the church.

Crow-Hussell Funeral Home has been entrusted to Gene's care, and his family. You may offer condolences to the family via this webpage.