Steven Lloyd Pope

Steven Lloyd Pope (Steve), 70, passed away in El Paso, Texas on August 26, 2024. eager to be reunited with his loving wife, April Ann Pope (Starnes).

Steve was born on August 29, 1953, in Anchorage, Alaska, to Richard Farner Pope and Betty Elaine Pope (Shearer).

Steve was fluent in Spanish and a skilled tradesman in carpentry, construction, and crane operation. He earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Texas El Paso in 1998. Before his retirement, he led a fulfilling career, which he loved, as an Educational Diagnostician for the State of New Mexico at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility, where he worked with his wife.

Steve married April Ann Starnes on April 24, 1987, and they were happily married for nearly 35years until her passing on December 26, 2021. Steve and April went on to have three children together, Steven Josh Pope, Michelle Cory Pope (Williams) and Richard Kenenth Pope, and shared two more children from previous marriages, Jennifer Pope Hughey, and Christopher James Starnes.

Upon his retirement in 2018, after spending most of their lives in the El Paso/Las Cruces area, Steve and April Pope moved to Gulfport, MS to enjoy the good life while being closer to their grandchildren. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed travelling and taking cruises. He was a certified funny-guy and loved to make people laugh. He attended church, was baptized, and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. He enjoyed fishing for reds in the Gulf, trout on the lakes, and was passionate about outdoor activities. He loved Mexican food and good BBQ. He was very passionate about music, and tried to spread this joy to everyone he could. You could usually find him jamming out on his Gibson Les Paul or PRS (and cranking his Marshall amp up to 11), outside exploring or shooting guns, and tinkering around on various projects in his workshop. He was a fan of classic rock and country music. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, a caring and patient father, and a fun and outgoing person. He made friends everywhere he went and will be greatly loved and missed by everyone who had their lives touched by him. We ask for thoughts and prayers during this period of great loss.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, April Ann Pope (Starnes), his brother, Guy Colby Pope, and his parents Richard Pope and Betty Pope (Shearer). He is survived by his children: Jennifer Pope Hughey, Christopher James Starnes, Steven Josh Pope, Michelle Cory Williams, and Richard Kenneth Pope; grandchildren: Emma Young, Susan Young, Fiona Young, Maddison Mosher, Stephania Starnes; brother: Wayne Pope; sister: Sharron Tucker; son-in-law: Mike Williams (and children Caden & Dreya Williams); daughter-in-law: Jacqueline Starnes; soon to be daughter-in-law: Amber Lynn Bridges (and son Colton Funck); and loving bonus children James (Jim Ed) Manigold, and Melinda Hamrick Manigold (and their children Clara, Jessie, and Dos Manigold).

Steve's last wishes were to be cremated, have his ashes mixed with his wife's, and spread near Las Cruces, New Mexico. There will not be a formal viewing, ceremony, or service. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that anyone who would like to contribute in some way to donate to the El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (www.epsmf.org) or to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).