Joe Delwin Pope

Joe Delwin Pope was born November 17, 1947, at the Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas to Wilbur and Wilma Pope. He died peacefully in his sleep on March 1, 2026, at the age of 78 after years of battling Post Polio Syndrome.

At 6 years old of age Joe contracted the dreaded disease of polio. Although polio took a toll on him physically it was not able to put a dent in his mind, wit, sense of humor, spirit, smile and will to overcome.

Joe graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in the class of 1965 where he formed many lasting friendships and met his wife Linda beginning a lifelong love affair for 62 years.

Joe went on to attend Texas A&M University earning a BA degree in finance and later a Master’s of Science degree in counseling from St. Mary’s University.

Although polio limited Joe physically he enjoyed following the football teams of coaches Pat Shannon at Thomas Jefferson and Gene Stallings at Texas A&M, serving as equipment manager at both. Deer hunting and guns were another of Joe’s passions along with keeping up with all things political locally and nationally. Joe took special interest in his family, researching family history and was proud that the family tree included several families on the Mayflower, the most notable being William Bradford.

Joe’s career began teaching math at San Antonio EISD Memorial High School and then he moved into his chosen career path at the Texas Rehabilitation Commission as a case manager followed by serving as Counselor, then Principal at Antonian High School and finally retiring from Bexar County Probation Office.

Joe is survived by his wife, Linda Oehler Pope of 57 years who was devoted to his care beyond measure and his brother Travis Pope. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Wilma Pope; grandparents, Will I. Pope and Fay Pope, and James R. Stroud and Nora Stroud; and Linda’s parents, Carl F. Oehler and V. Noraine Smith Oehler.

A funeral service will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The family would like to invite all friends and loved ones to stay for a visitation and reception following the funeral service. The chapel will remain open for prayer, mediation or personal goodbyes.

In lieu of flowers please donate in memoriam to your favorite charity or one of Joe’s select charities:

Major Clay Ramsey Native American Veterans Assistance Po Box 5053 Pine Ridge, SD 57770

Christian Appalachian Project 485 Ponderosa Drive Paintsville, KY 41240

Hillsdale College 33 East College Street Hillsdale, MI 49242

Lone Star Westie Rescue 1624 Crooked Creed Dr. Carrolton, Texas 75007

San Antonio Animal Defense League 11300 Nacogdoches Rd San Antonio, Texas 78247