Bobby Lee Pope, 78, went home to be with the Lord on April 11, 2026.

Bobby (“Big Daddy” or “Papa”) was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was born to James and Zella Pope in Springfield, Missouri on December 29, 1947. The last few weeks of his life, though spent in the hospital, were filled with many visits from family and friends recalling memories, sharing laughter, and discussing his faith in God. Bobby was called home to heaven in the late afternoon of April 11, 2026 surrounded by the love of his closest family.

Bobby was raised in Springfield, MO and graduated from Willard High School in 1966. From March 24, 1967 to March 24, 1971, Bobby proudly served in the United States Navy. A portion of his service was in Vietnam and he was then awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. Bobby was placed in the Naval Reserves until he was honorably discharged on December 4, 1972. Throughout his life, Bobby’s employment included working at McDonnell Douglas, Paul Mueller as a welder, and he then went on to start his own business, BMT Excavating working as a contractor until retirement.

Those close to Bobby know of his love for motorcycles, “tinkering” with projects in his shop, classic rock music, cut-off shirts, and ice cream. He was often found working on house projects (for his home and for others), watching Nascar races or The Voice in his man cave, fishing at the lake, or at his dining table with a big glass of iced tea. What he loved most of all was his family, especially his wife, kids, and grandkids. During the last few weeks of his life, nothing made him light up more than visits from his family.

To know Bobby was to know a strong presence, one who could know everything about a person, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and still choose to love them. It was impossible to spend time with Bobby without being influenced by his character. He exemplified what it was to be tough, to be brave, to be strong, but to love God, love others, and live humbly. The most important thing to Bobby was his faith in Jesus Christ. Before his passing, he told anyone who would listen that he felt closer to God than ever before. His loved ones take comfort knowing that he is exactly where he longed to be, in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, James and Zella Pope, and his sister, Jeanette Miller. Bobby is survived by an ever-growing family, including: his wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Pope, his son Markus Pope (Annie), his daughter Tassilyn Fry, grandchildren Rhiannon Strick (Eric), Jasmine Cloud (Nick), Logan Pope, Ben Lammers, Julianna Conrad (Mason), Samantha Lammers, Josie Fry, and Simon Pope, eight great-grandchildren, and his siblings Rick Pope (Carol) and Kathy.

In honor of Bobby’s life, memorial services will be held on Friday, April 24th and Graceway Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Visitation with the family will take place at 10am followed by the funeral service at 11am. Following the service, interment will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.