David Edward Pope

David Edward Pope, 75, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, with his daughter, brother, and sister-in-law by his side. David courageously fought chronic diseases and illnesses in the last 5 years of his life and pressed on with fervor until his body no longer cooperated.
David was born December 17, 1949 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Julian Pope and Evelyn (Edwards) Pope. Julian was a missionary which resulted in the family moving rather frequently. David spent his formative years in Louisiana, Arkansas, Maryland, and Florida. David's big sister Judy, who was quite a few years older, helped to nurture her two little brothers as their mother worked at night. David affectionately called her his second mother. David and his brother Johnny were best friends. They developed their own secret language and enjoyed many adventures. He and his brother enjoyed being outside and were often out until it was dark. David had a protective nature for both his brother and sister, which continued into their adulthood. He was their rock.
As he got older David, he obtained his first job at the Lakeland Ledger (FL) as a paperboy and quickly promoted to manager. A few years later David's brother entered the ministry and the pair became the "David & Jonathan Evangelistic Team." Johnny preached while David led the music and managed the finances. Although David enjoyed this time, he was called to serve the Lord as a layman. After completing his finance degree, David spent 30+ years in the banking industry with a penchant for small-town banks. He served as the Vice President for banks in Piper City and Tamms, Illinois as well as Seminole, Wewoka, and Holdenville, Oklahoma.
David met his beloved wife, Deryln, on June 23, 1970 in Louisville, at an annual Baptist meeting their fathers were attending. David was overwhelmed with her beauty and once they starting talking, they never stopped. They soon knew they were soulmates and married less than three months later. They started their family three years later with the birth of their daughter, Davida. While he enjoyed tennis, OU games, and listening to music, (especially the Beatles) his greatest joy was providing a loving home for his wife and daughter. He wanted nothing more than to spend quality time with them. He cherished Derlyn and adored Davida. He shaped her character and provided the emotional support a daughter needs. The two had countless Daddy/Daughter dates, which started early and continued until just a few weeks before he left this earth. David was the consummate father.
David loved being a supervisor, mentor, and friend. He is known for his leadership, integrity, servant heart, and kindness. He was devoted to the lives of the people who worked for him, his bank customers, and the communities where he lived. David served as Treasurer of the Lion's Club and as Freemason while in Piper City, IL, and served as Treasure of the Holdenville Ministerial Alliance for over a decade. David was delighted to contribute to fundraisers for 4-H and FFA youth. He loved cheering on the high school sports teams, especially when the children of the people he managed were playing. He attended graduations and parades, visited nursing homes, frequented local diners, and supported little lemonade stands. After his bank retirement, he was a proud member of the "Liars Club" in Holdenville for many years, where he and his buddies could be found at McDonalds nearly every morning. He loved to tell stories and hear stories. He was supportive, fun-loving, and kind. He made a difference in the life of every person he encountered.
David found fulfillment teaching Sunday School, being in prayer groups, and leading in Bible Studies. In his golden years, David had the opportunity to become ordained and serve the Lord as a pastor of Penn West Bible Church in Holdenville, OK, for 11 years. These were years that were very special to him as he was able to continue his passion for loving others as well as pointing them to his Savior, Jesus Christ.
David is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Derlyn Fountain Pope and his parents, Julian and Evelyn Pope. He is survived by his daughter, Davida Pope and his soon to be son-in-law Doug Bradley; his sister Judy Pope Deeson and her husband Don; his brother Johnny Pope and his wife Barbara; brother-in-law Roy Fountain and his wife Darla; brother-in-law Wayne Fountain and his wife Nancy; four nieces, six nephews, and scores of cousins and extended family.
A service celebrating David's life will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 21st at First Baptist Church of Holdenville with Dane Robinson and Daniel Roberts officiating.
In lieu of flowers/plants, David would have desired any monetary gifts to be given to: National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org; Penn West Baptist Church, 305 4th Penn West, Holdenville, OK 74848; or a ministry his father founded: BEAMS (Bible Education and Missionary Service): www.beamsbibles.com
Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home in Holdenville, OK.