Ricky Allen Pope age 50 of Coffeyville Kansas gained his wings on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at CRMC in Coffeyville, Kansas due to complications from lung cancer.
Ricky was born on May 29, 1970 to John Pope and Carolyn (Kaufman) Pope. He was born and raised in Coffeyville; it was where he called home. Ricky attended schools in the USD 445.
Being quite the little charmer he found many girlfriends in school but it wasn’t until 1989 he tied the knot with Rhonda Bolinger from Parsons, Kansas. It was in this marriage he fell head over heels in love with the daughter he’d never have Ashley Dawn as well as have his one and only son, Brock Allen Pope. He brought so much joy to his parents. They later divorced but always kept an open communication for the sake of their son.
Rick was employed as a crane operator and sandblaster with Logan and Company from 1994 until 2016 when he had to retire due to health reasons. There he found, he was always treated like family. He made a bond with the Logan family, including a very special one with his buddy, Mikey White. It was at Logan and Co. that Rick became a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local Union #101 from 1996 to 2016. . Ricky was also employed from 1989 until 1993 with Taylor Warehouse. His work life started at Gene TV Repair and Kansas Lumber Yard where he earned money after school and during weekends.
Ricky was a member of First Baptist Church and was always happy to drive his mother and her friends from Sycamore Landing to church on Sundays.
Ricky was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan who never missed a game and collected all their latest memorabilia. He spent his mornings with a cup of coffee and playing good ole country hits or 80’s rock and roll. He loved watching Two and a Half Men, Sanford and Son, Mike and Molly, Dukes of Hazzard, and Smokey and the Bandit. As a young feller he enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels, building model cars, and making the biggest ramp he could so he could do trick jumps on his bike. You could always find him at the annual demolition derby or fireworks show at Walter Johnson Park snacking on a Root Beer Float and funnel cake. In his later years he spent his weekends cheering on his great nieces and nephew, during their basketball and football games or while they showed pigs with the FFA.
Ricky enjoyed being around people, and especially making them laugh. He would have a whole room giggling at his quick wit and clever come back lines. He enjoyed helping others, even if it meant he went without. He had a heart of gold and dimples that were irresistible to say no to. Above all else he loved his family and spending time with them, whether it was just grilling hamburgers or having a big feast where he no doubt could be spotted circling the dessert table. He would visit with everyone and loved to play with the kids. He had nicknames for each and every one of them. Ricky Allen was loving and kind, goofy and sarcastic, and the best son, brother, dad and uncle anyone could ask for.
Survivors include his son, Brock Allen Pope of Los Angeles, California; sister, Becky Crain and husband, Rick of Battlefield Missouri; brother, Randy Pope and companion, Cassie Gerler of Coffeyville, Kansas; nieces, Brandy Gillispie and husband, Jeremy, LaShawnda Oglesby and husband, Grant, Samantha Duden-Holliday, Laci Broadhurst; nephew, Tyler Pope; great nieces, Sarah Henley, Cadance Gillispie, Klaire Lee; great nephews, Adam Henley, Ethan Oglesby, Spencer Holliday, Rayson Lee and Leo Broadhurst; aunt, Ruth Griffin and husband, Roy; numerous cousins and more friends than you could fit in a local paper.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Pope; mother, Carolyn Pope; step mom, Irene Pope; grandparents, Lanta Marie and Henry Harmon, Bud and Ruby Kaufman; two half-brothers; Danny and Tony; daughter, Ashley Kebert; great nephew, Zachary D.; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made “In memory of Ricky” to Chelsea Oklahoma FFA Chapter or Autism Awareness. They can be left with the funeral home or mailed to David Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Rd Coffeyville, KS 67337.
Service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Dick Smith will officiate. COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced; masks will/must be worn.
Following Ricky’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A small private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Robbins Cemetery. David W Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com
“How Bout Them Cowboys”
