MSgt Dale Pope's Obituary
Dale L. Pope, Dale came into this world on March 23, 1928, in Braceville, IL, to Alfred and Hazel (Jones) Pope. He was the fifth child of ten children. He grew up in a typical Midwestern atmosphere. After graduating from high school, Dale, enlisted in the Navy. He had a long and distinguished career. He was part of the greatest generation ever that served in WWII. He then transferred to the Air Force after the war and served in the Korean Conflict. He received the joint service commendation medal for meritorious service from February 27th 1964 to July 31st 1966. He was awarded a certificate of recognition, "in promoting peace and stability for this Nation", during the Cold War. After serving for over 20 years, he retired from active duty on September 1, 1966 as a Master Sergeant.
During his military service he married Peggy Becker on April 2, 1947, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They had two children during this period. After retiring from the military, Dale moved his family to St Petersburg, where he worked for the United States Postal Service for over 18 years. Dale was a member of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, McLeod Lodge, No. 424 and completed over 50 years of continuous service as a Master Mason in good standing. He was a 32nd degree mason and a perpetual (life) member of the Scottish Rite Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Southern Jurisdiction United States of America, Valley of Tampa, Orient of Florida. He was a member of Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, Egypt Temple of Tampa Florida. Also, he was proclaimed a Permanent Contributing member of Shriners Hospitals for crippled children in December 1984. He loved to work in his yard, his personal "Eden", gardening and growing beautiful orchids as well as many other varieties of foliage. He took great pride in mentoring his grandchildren and watching them grow into caring and giving adults. He also loved to rehabilitate small engines for his friends & neighbors, which cumulated in his restoration of an early "70's" Buick. Dale was was preceded in death by: his mother and father, Hazel and Alfred Pope; sister, Velda, and brothers: Tom, Alfred, Tim, Alan and Keith.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peggy; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Frank Foreback of Lakeland, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Dale W. and Sue Pope of Alpine, TN; grandchildren, Jeffrey Foreback of Lakeland, FL; Ryan Foreback and his wife, Jillian of Lakeland, FL; granddaughter Heather and her husband James Robbins of Nashville, TN; great grandchildren Jonah and Benjamin Robbins; brother and sister-in-law Donald and Brenda Pope of Seminole FL; sister Gloria Lockwood of Millington, IL; sister Diane Seybert of Willington, IL. And his faithful and constant companion Dude. Dale, age 86, died June 19, at his home, with his dog Dude at his side. Dale's generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to his family. He lived his life with integrity and bravery. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive Tampa FL 33612 or SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave Largo FL 33773.
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