Eugene Pope

Eugene "Gene" Pope has gone home to his beloved Lord and Savior on May 19, 2020.  Gene was born the seventh of seven children to Dale and Mae (Montz) Pope in Tecumseh on Sept. 1, 1928. After graduating from Tecumseh High School, Gene served in the US Army during the Korean War.  

After returning home, Gene married his wartime pen pal, turned sweetheart, Carol Gottula on August 22, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Together for sixty-five years, they raised, reared, and sent seven kids to college while tending and caring for several varieties of animals (including cows, horses, chickens, pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, and even coyotes) on their dairy farm just east of Tecumseh.

Gene led a full life of quiet leadership and understated servitude.  He served on boards and committees throughout his life, including the Johnson County Fair Board, the 4-H Council, the VFW and the First Baptist Church Board.

His favorite job by far was that as Carol's husband and Pope family patriarch.  He is fondly remembered as the father/grandpa who never yelled at the kids, and always had time for a little outdoor fun and a day that ended with homemade ice cream!  

Gene is survived by his wife Carol of Tecumseh, children, Brad Pope (Elaine) of Lincoln, Laurie Martin (Ken) of Beatrice, Steve Pope (Loretta) of Tecumseh, Michelle Shaffer (James) of Double Oak, TX, Chris Pope (Terry) of Rockport, MA, Scott Pope (Anne) of Eagle and Peg Davis (Shawn) of Lincoln, 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Rogers Pope and wife Betty, John Pope and wife Jenny, Dorothy Phillips and husband Melvin, Bruce Pope and wife Arlene, Bob Pope and wife Naomi and Dick Pope and wife Theoma.  

Graveside Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska. The service will be radio broadcast and attendees can stay in their vehicles if they chose. 

 A register book will be available for signatures from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska. 

 Memorials may go to the First Baptist Church. 

 Inurnment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska with military rites by the Tecumseh VFW and American Legion and the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

 Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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