John Paul Pope

John Paul Pope, 72, of Danville, IL, passed away in the evening on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at OSF Heart of Mary in Urbana. He was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on September 10th, 1951 to Harold and Maya (Czerwinski) Pope. Paul served proudly in the United States Marines before finding the love of his life in JoAnn Brown, whom he married on September 25th, 2003 in Indianola, Illinois. She survives.

Paul is survived by his children, Michelle “Jerre” Daily, Jackie Pope, Mark Neff, Sherry (Randy) Roberts, and Spencer (Amy) Meehan; grandchildren, Blake Meehan, Cole Meehan, Trey Clore, and Mary Jane Pope; one great-grandchild; siblings, Gloria (Jerry) McKinzie, Ann (Steve) Stuckey, and Pam Blackburn, neighbor Jock; and Little Bit, his dog.

Preceding Paul in death are his close friend Greg Meehan and his dog Buffy.

After his service in the military, Paul earned a degree in Psychology and became a substitute teacher for many years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. In his younger years, he played guitar in a band, and even they disbanded, he continued to dabble in the instrument. With his free time, Paul like to go to thrift stores and go fishing. He enjoyed hosting cookouts, but most of all he enjoyed time spent with his family, whether that be going on a walk with JoAnn and Buffy or playing with his grandchildren.

A service in memory of Paul with be held on April 15th, 2024 at 2:00 at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832 with Pastor James Blue officiating. Visitation will be held beforehand from 1:00-2:00 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family asks that those in attendance wear the color green as it was his favorite. Following cremation, Paul will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial donations in his name may be made out to ASPCA or St. Jude. Please join us in honoring Paul by posting pictures, videos, and memories to his tributes wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. 

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