Donald E. Pope, 80 of Gulf Shores, Ala., formerly of Greenfield, passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at his home. Don was born in Greenfield, Feb. 19, 1932, to the late W.O. and Essie (McCammon) Pope.
Don attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn., where he bequeathed Pope Residence Hall. Don also received an honorary Doctorate from Lincoln Memorial. He and his wife Mary Lou (Keith) Pope continued to support the university in funding for scholarships and other needs throughout the years.
Don joined the Army and served from 1952 – 1954 during the Korean War. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for his Defense Service. Upon his return from duty, Don married Loretta Souder in 1955 and was the accountant of Pope Steel Building Products. Later, as president, he sold the business in 1969 to found Custom Metal Industries, Inc. of Greenfield. Don retired in 1994, and sold Custom Metal to his daughter Donna Pope, which is still in operation after 44 years.
Don and Mary Lou moved to Gulf Shores in 1994 where Don was active within his community and continued a secondary career in real estate development in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores that began in the 1970’s. Don was an active member of St. Andrews by the Sea Church, and served as chair of the finance committee and was benefactor to the Memory Gardens of the church. Over the years, Don was active in many organizations in both Hancock County and Gulf Shores. He was a fifty year member of Hancock F&AM 101 Masonic Lodge, the Elks Club of Greenfield, the American Legion and the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. Don supported many philanthropic organizations in his lifetime. He was a Master Gardener and loved the outdoors.
Don is survived by his wife; Mary Lou Pope of Gulf Shores, Ala., son; Brad Pope of West Palm Beach, Fla.; daughter, Donna Pope of Greenfield; brother, Larry (Charlotte) Pope of Fountaintown; and grandson, Skylar Edwards of Chicago, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold Pope; and sister, Mary Lee Macy.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield. Friends may call Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, from 3:30 pm until 6 p.m. at the funeral home, with a Masonic Service to be held at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Regreening Greenfield, C/O Greenfield Parks and Recreation, 280 North Apple Street, Greenfield, IN, 46140.
Online condolences may be shared at www.stillingerfamilyfuneralhome.com
