Pope

Jack Malcolm Pope, 81, of La Grange, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, surrounded by the family he loved. Jack was born in Drew, Miss. on Aug. 7, 1935, the son of Thomas Aaron Pope and Elma Victoria (Curry) Pope. Jack, known as “Uncle Mack” by many, moved to La Grange in 1970 and began a career path with Texas Parks and Wildlife as a park ranger at Monument Hill State Park. He advanced to the position of Regional Park Maintenance Director over multiple state parks and resided at Lake Somerville Nails Creek State Park. Jack was also a successful business entrepreneur having owned a pipeline company as well as various other business ventures. His favorite accomplishment, however, might have been in raising world-class organic garden tomatoes which he loved to grow and share with family and friends. Jack is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 46 years, Dorothy Jean (McAnally) Pope. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Colin Pope; Leah Pope White and husband, Gatlin, all of Houston; Clint Pope of South Carolina; as well as by seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his very close sister and brother-in-law, Pat Pope Jackson and husband, Jim, of La Grange; his special “niece-daughter”, Stephanie Roberts Denton and husband, Stuart, of Sugar Land; and his special “nephew-son”, Clark Pope and wife, Debbie, of Seguin. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Vivian Pope of Seguin; and niece, Debra Pope and nephew, Nathaniel Pope. He also leaves behind many wonderful friends, extended family members and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents; Thomas and Elma Pope; brother, Jerry Pope; two sons: Mark and David Pope; granddaughter, Marla Pope; and nephew, Tom Pope. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Thomas Borgstedte and the nursing staff of Hospice Brazos Valley for their loving care of Jack these past months. He truly trusted and appreciated their kindness toward him and his family. There will be a Celebration of Life, celebrating Jack’s life, at Second Baptist Church of La Grange on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Jack’s memory to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson St., La Grange, Texas 78945 or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange is in charge of arrangements.