Darrell H. Pope

Darrell H. Pope Pensacola, FL Darrell H. Pope, age 78, of Pensacola, FL went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on February 6, 2009. He was born September 27, 1930, in St. Johns, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Violet Pope. Darrell was the oldest of 4 siblings. His experiences while growing up on his family's centennial farm in Clinton County, MI provided countless lessons and memories that he loved to share with his children and grandchildren. He graduated from St. Johns High School in 1948. Darrell was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean War and as a Special Agent in the office of Special Investigations (USAF). Darrell enlisted in the Michigan State Police in October of 1956. As a trooper he was stationed in Grand Haven, MI; Gladstone, MI; and later at the MSP Headquarters in East Lansing, MI. He was a member of the Michigan State Police Underwater Recovery Team, was a Michigan State Police Swimming Instructor, Recruit School Instructor, and an Investigative Services Specialist with the Detective Division (during which time he devised a central, computerized State Police file). His developmental work and expertise in Crime Scene Analysis made him a respected and called upon advisor to many police departments across the nation. He retired in 1981 as a Detective Lieutenant. During his time of enlistment, he was also a guest speaker for many organizations and events. He received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and taught Criminal Justice at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. His volunteer activities included developing training courses in water and boating safety--including an instruction program filmed for training purposes and circulated nationally by the Red Cross. Upon retiring, Darrell spent three years as administrator at Novi Christian School (Novi, MI). In 1984 Darrell was asked to come to Pensacola Christian College to develop/launch their Criminal Justice Program. He accepted and he and his wife Jeri moved to Pensacola, FL to begin the program where he would continue on as a Professor of Criminal Justice for 23 years. He loved teaching and everyone who knew him knew the great love he had for his students! They were one of the special joys of his life. He loved the Lord and was very active throughout his life serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher, Christian camp director and in many other capacities. He did much to promote missions and had a special heart for helping and encouraging missionary kids. Darrell was the recipient of several honors and prestigious awards during his career including "The Meritorious Service Award" (Michigan State Police-1961); twice cited for "Honorable Mention" (1961-1962); "Certificate of Merit for Idea of Unusual Worth" (Michigan State Police-1966); The Governor's Awards Commission "Distinguished Public Employee" (1977); the first recipient of the "Donald S. Leonard Award" given for professional educational achievement to a state police officer by the Michigan Bar Association; and "Unit Citation for Professional Excellence" (1981). Darrell is survived by his wife Jeri; his daughter Jill (Ron) Keilen of DeWitt, MI, his son Duncan (Daniella) Pope of Burnaby, British Columbia, his daughter Paula Pope of Simi Valley, CA, and his daughter Holly (Frederick) Forehand of Pace, FL; grandchildren, Angie Keilen of DeWitt, MI, Heidi (and Steve) Brown of Kissimee, FL, RJ (and Heather) Keilen of Scottsdale, AZ, Elijah (and Heather) Muscott of Milton, FL, Alison Keilen and Craig Keilen of DeWitt, MI, Zachary Pope of Port Moody, British Columbia, Becky Keilen and Brent Keilen of Dewitt, MI, Catherine Pope of Port Moody, British Columbia, Cara Keilen, Brandon Keilen, Christy Keilen and Amber Keilen of DeWitt, MI, Seth Forehand of Pace, FL; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Arlene Hoag of St. Johns, MI; brother Bruce (Beth) of Las Vegas, NV; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Gerry Mae Smith. There will be a time of visitation at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns, MI on Friday, February 13, 2009 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. A Funeral Service with full Michigan State Police Honors will be held Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns, MI. Burial will be at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns, MI. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Pope would appreciate donations to the Gideons in his memory.