Dale Eugene Pope

Dale E. Pope, age 94, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, two brothers, five sisters and a son-in-law.  He is survived by three children: Lenelle Mangold and her husband Kent, Michelle Hoffman, and Kent Pope and his wife, Marsha; six grandchildren: Dalynn Dowling, Josiah Hoffman, Tirzah Mangold, Jeremiah Hoffman, Aaron Pope and his wife Abbey and Ethan Pope and his wife Sloane; and six great grandchildren: Dominick, Makayla, Liliana, Lucas, Logan and Emma.

Dale was born on December 20, 1927 on a farm near Plains, Kansas.  He lived in that area during dust bowl times. His family then moved to Iowa where he graduated from Mitchellville High School.  Afterwards, he served his country in Korea.  He then moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he met his wife-to-be in a group that met at the YMCA.  They were married at the First United Methodist Church and then were part of a group at the Y called the “Mr. & Mrs. Club,” of which they were a part for many years, making many close friendships.

Over the years he lived in Kansas, Iowa and Illinois, working in different jobs from one at the Post Office to ones in the grocery sector, Singer Sewing Machine, the V.A. and Office Depot, even owning his own grocery store for a while. The job he enjoyed the most though, was the one he did on his vacation many different years: helping his best friend on his farm.  His friend’s family home became like a second home to his family over the years.

Another “job” that he did well was being a father to his kids whom he loved dearly, which included being involved with them in Indian Princesses, Indian Guides and scouting, besides all the badminton and croquet games on top of his work schedule.  He also believed it was important for the kids to see men serving in the church.  He loved singing in the choir. He also sang at funerals, taught Bible study, Sunday School and his younger daughter’s confirmation class, was involved in chancel drama and was a leader with his wife for Stephen’s Ministry.

He also enjoyed singing in a barbershop chorus and a barbershop quartet and, when younger, loved to go square dancing with his wife Marilyn.  One of his favorite songs was “How Great Thou Art” and one of his daughters remembers when her mom would play the piano when the kids were in bed and the song she was playing would be “The New Jerusalem.”  She also remembers family car trips with them singing “Down by the Old Mill Stream” and remembers her dad singing to her mom in the nursing home about his ”Brown Eyed Girl.”

Dale was a man who loved the Lord, love to read, loved to sing, loved to play cards, especially “Hand and Foot,” and loved spending time with his family, from times when they were little and making sure the kids got to spend plenty of time with grandparents, to many get-togethers at his sister Ruth’s house, especially those Easter gatherings, to big family reunions and to times spent with grandchildren.  Oh, how he enjoyed those!

One day at the nursing home he had talked about getting together with all his brothers and sisters in the next year.  Well, he’s at home with them now.  What a reunion that is.

And to those of you sill on this earth, may it be “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NASB)

An online memorial service is being planned for a later date.  Additional details will be announced later.  Memorial contributions can be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, 901 NE River Rd., Suite 101, Topeka, KS  66616 www.eleracaringhospicefoundation.org or Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, 2134 SW Westport Dr., Topeka, KS  66614 www.midlandcareconnection.org

www.davidsonfuneral.com