The Rev. Paul Edward Pope, 69, of Terre du Lac died March 8, 2019, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Rev. Pope was a pastor for Sonrise Baptist Church for more than 26 years. He was a member of the Missouri Director of Missions fellowship and served as director of missions for the Mineral Area Baptist Association. He also served on the board of the Missouri Baptist Convention. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events. Born May 7, 1949, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Imogene C. (Johnson) and Joseph M. Pope.
He is survived by his wife: Deborah (Govero) Pope; five children: Tammy Propst, Chad Pope, Craig (Gena) Pope, Tracy Pope-Gammon and Tonya (Clint) Price; 15 grandchildren: Luke Propst, Carter Propst, Jeremy Propst, Austin Pope, Hannah Pope, Hunter Pope, Tyler Dane, Dakota Pope, Madison Pope, Blake Harrison, Grant Harrison, Ethan Gammon, Emma Gammon, Caleb Price and Kaylee Price; a brother: Tim (Nancy) Pope; a sister: Evelyn Wilder; his parents-in-law: Fred and Jean Govero; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Joe Pope, Bill Pope and Carl Pope; and a sister: Ella Lubbert.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-9 p.m. Friday, March 15, at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home, 1116 N. Desloge Drive, in Desloge. Visitation is at 10 a.m. and a celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. John Canterberry and the Rev. Tim Smith. Burial is in Woodlawn Cemetery in Leadington. Memorials may be made to the Bates Creek Baptist Camp. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home.