Our sweet dad, Bill Pope, 81, passed away on December 29th, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, Papa, Grandpa, Papoo, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Anyone who had the pleasure to know our dad would tell you what a genuinely kind person he was. Truly the nicest person you'll ever have had the pleasure to meet. Such a gentle and wholesome spirit. I think we may have heard him speak one curse word in his entire life. A funny story he told recently was that as a young boy, he and his cousin, Jim, were back behind their granny's house "practicing their curse words." She caught them in the act and proceeded to properly provide her style of discipline. Maybe that's why he never "practiced his curse words again."

Dad was born and raised in Mansfield, Missouri. He lived in and around the area until joining the US AirForce in the 60's. That's where he met and married his soulmate, Joan, on January 10th, 1964. Together they raised 5 kids. Dad wore a few career hats over the years. In addition to the military, Dad was a chicken farmer and a realtor. But most of his career years were spent over the road as a truck driver. He loved Mexican food, stock car racing, Gunsmoke and Raisin Bran with cut up bananas. Oh, and he had a "thing" for Taylor Swift.

Retirement brought time for travel with Mom & their little poodle Buddy. They had the pleasure of seeing lots of the countryside together in their RV that they called "home". Even after Mom's passing in 2017, Dad and Buddy continued to make the annual trip to Galveston, Texas to celebrate Mom & Dad's wedding anniversary.

Dad taught us integrity, fairness and a good work ethic and led by example. We will miss him dearly. He is survived by his son, Skip Pope of Marshfield, MO and his 3 daughters, Gail Phelan (Bob Phelan) of Rolla, MO; Kathy Fitzwater (Chris Fitzwater) of Richmond, MO; Karen Williamson (Stephen Williamson) of Springfield, MO. His grandchildren: Shelly, Dustin, Kaydee, Mikey, Andrea, Jared, Blake and Jamie. His great grandchildren: Ainsley, Calob, Valerie, Hope, Emma, Elijah and Kash. In addition to a host of nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Dad was preceded in death by: his precious son, Kenneth Pope, 1994; his loving wife, Joan Pope, 2017; his little fur baby, Buddy, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held in Cape Fair, Table Rock Lake, on May 4th at noon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.