Francis Marion "Frank" Pope Jr.

Francis Marion "Frank" Pope Jr., a dedicated servant of his community and a steady pillar of faith, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 7, 2026, at the age of 87. Frank was preceded in death just four days prior by his beloved wife of 66 years, Betty Loudermilk Pope.

A Life of Global and Local Ministry

Frank’s life was defined by a profound commitment to compassionate care for others. Beyond his professional work, he left an indelible mark on the world as a co-founder of the Christian Relief Fund (CRF). Driven by the news of the death of an Indian evangelist during a famine, Frank and a close friend, Baxter Loe, launched the fund in 1971 to care for orphaned children. Serving as the organization's first Vice President, Frank helped grow this small act of obedience into a global mission that now provides food, water, and education to thousands of children across more than 30 countries.

Locally, Frank's heart for service was most visible during his more than two decades as a Chaplain, a role that began with the Coppell Police and Fire Departments and extended through his work with the HCA Hospital Systems. In these roles, he provided steady comfort and spiritual guidance to families and first responders during their most difficult moments. He also served for several years as a Community Minister in Coppell Texas for the Farmers Branch congregation.

A devoted leader, Frank served as an Elder for the Farmers Branch and Flower Mound congregations. Together with Betty, he served faithfully in San Angelo, Irving, Coppell, Flower Mound, Farmers Branch, and Carrollton.

Professional Career and Ingenuity

Frank’s professional journey was marked by both integrity and innovation. He spent much of his career in the telecommunications industry with Southwestern States Telephone Company, which later became GTE. As the Manager of GTE’s Business Sales Center in Carrollton, he stood as a precursor to the digital revolution. His ingenuity was famously displayed when he designed and operated GTE’s premier mobile executive briefing center that carried cutting-edge technology to high-profile events, including the Super Bowl. Following his tenure at GTE, he also brought his logistical expertise to Freeman Exhibits.

Roots and Education

Born in Dallas on March 21, 1938, to Francis Marion Pope Sr. and Elsie Iola Wilson Pope, Frank was a true son of Texas. His formative years were spent in Vernon and Brownwood, where he developed the work ethic that defined his life. A proud graduate of Brownwood High School, he continued his education at Howard Payne College.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents and his devoted wife, Betty. His legacy continues through his family sons: Mark Pope (wife Kay) and Mike Pope (wife Charlotte); grandchildren: Rebekah Pitts (husband Jaron), Aimee Smith (husband Eric), Amanda Massaro (husband Danny), Jeff Pope (wife Lynette), Andrew Pope (fiancée Julia), Chelsea Hopkins (husband Shane), and Chase Pope (wife Ashley); great-grandchildren: Makayla, Brynley, Zane, Emmeline, Henry, Ike, Adalynn, Hadley, Ashton, Hayden, Presley, Oliver, Ridge, Jackson, Harrison, Preston, Lottie, Eddie, Ollie, and Millie.

A joint visitation will be held for Mr. and Mrs. Pope at Rhoton Funeral Home, 1511 South Interstate 35e, Carrollton, TX 75006, US, on March 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A committal service will take place at Downing Cemetery, 9101 TX-16, De Leon, TX 76444, US, on March 9, 2026, at 1:00pm

A service celebrating the lives of Frank and Betty will be held on March 29, 2026, at 2:30 pm at The Branch Church, Farmers Branch Campus.