Jack Pope

Jack Pope, age 84 of Lovilia, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2014 at Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albia. Jack was born December 12, 1929 in Moline, Illinois to Jarrett and Nellie (Runnells) Pope. He attended school in Bussey and graduated from Bussey High School. Jack married Lillian Martin on August 2, 1952 in Reno, NV. To this union 7 children were born Charles, Vivian, Randy, David, Steven, Merle, and Terry. They shared 37 years of marriage before Lillian's passing on December 26, 1989. Jack served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 35 years retiring from the Marines as a Sargent Major. While in the Marines, Jack helped with the Toys for Tots program. After returning from the service, Jack worked as the manager at Hawkeye Lumber Company in Albia and later in Oskaloosa retiring at the age of 70. Jack was very active with Monroe County Little League, where he coached and later became league president for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors, farming, playing pinochle, and in his younger years playing high school football. Jack is survived by his children, Charles Pope of Burlington, WI, Vivian Lawrence of Albia, Randy Pope of Blakesburg, David (Lisa) Pope of Elkader, Iowa, Merle (Karen) Pope of Topeka, KS, and Terry (Mickey) Pope of Albia; 15 grandchildren, William, Michael, Ben, Jonathan, Christianna, Thomas, Stephen, Julie, Jared, Jacob, Greg, Terrence, Jordan, Melody, and Davey; 7 great grandchildren. Jack is also survived by 3 sisters, Carolyn Larson, Phyllis Holmes and Sylvia (Bob) Webster; 2 sister-in-law, Avice Pope and Ruth Pope; and several nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, and his parents, Jarrett and Nellie; a son, Steven; a granddaughter, Jackie; 2 brothers, Don and Merle; and a sister, Jean. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. Burial with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will be in Liberty Cemetery in Bussey. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Jack's family present 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Welcome Home Soldier Memorial or to Monroe County Little League.

Jack Pope

December 12, 1929 - November 27, 2014