Eugene Pope

Gene Myron Pope passed away Feb. 18, 2016, at his home. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Blue Mountain Baptist Church, 3009 Heritage Road (Old Hwy. 12) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016.
Gene was born Oct. 24, 1927, in Walla Walla to May and George Pope. He lived his whole life in Walla Walla, graduated Walla Walla High School in 1945 and was accepted into U.S. Navy ROTC V-5 program
at University of Colorado, Bolder, Colo., in 1945. He served at Naval Ship Yard, Mare Island, Calif., and was honorably discharged after World War II in 1946.
He married Faye Clark of Milton Freewater in 1946, and returned to Walla Walla after being discharged from the Navy. They settled in Walla Walla that same year. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1977.
His mother and father, son-in-law, John Selvidge; and grandson, Joel Selvidge, preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Faye of 70 years; three daughters, Ramona Selvidge of Lacey, Barbara
(Bob) Bradley of Touchet, and Diane (Jerry) Bartlett of Walla Walla; his sister, Donna (Bill) Duncan of Walla Walla; six grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.
He loved Walla Walla, heralding every morning with “It’s another beautiful day in Walla Walla.” He loved his family and devoted his life to them. Gene enjoyed his gentleman’s farm, “Pope’s Ponderosa,” where he kept his girls busy in 4-H, raising a fabulous vegetable
garden and caring for a variety of farm animals.
Water skiing, fishing, camping and family gatherings were some our best memories that built a solid foundation for his life and demonstrated the depth of his commitment and love of his family. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He was an athlete in high
school and competed in baseball, football, boxing and any other sport that got him out of the classroom! He had a great sense of humor, a quick wit and was kind and generous. He was an honest man with solid principles.
He was proud, yet humble and lived his principles as an example for others. He is loved so deeply and will be missed far more than words can ever express. Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice.