Robert B. Pope

Robert B. Pope, age 85, of Brownstown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Pope was a member of Brownstown Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon. Robert was employed with Cummins Engine Co. for 38 years, retiring in 2002. He served in the United States Army in active duty from 1961 to 1963 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bob was loved beyond measure by his wife, Carol, his children, and his grandchildren, and he loved them immensely and treasured spending time with them, and his granddog, Axel. Family was most important to Bob during his lifetime. He was an avid basketball supporter. He loved watching basketball, and he especially loved watching his grandchildren play basketball, as well as their other sporting events. Bob enjoyed vacationing and camping with his family. He also enjoyed gardening, and he was always particularly proud of his tomato plants. Bob loved playing golf with his grandson, Jack, and he loved baking with his granddaughter, Katherine. Bob was a charter member of Hickory Hills Golf Course, and he was also a member of Hoosier Hackers and Jaycees. Born on December 5, 1938, in Stanford, Kentucky, Bob was the son of Ernest and Loretta (Smallwood) Pope, and stepfather, Hugh Tanksley, all of whom preceded him in death. On October 17, 1964, at Brownstown Christian Church, he married Carol Ann Pilman, and she survives in Brownstown. Survivors also include two daughters: Amy (Steve) Gomez of Denver, Colorado, and Kristy (Dave) Benter of Brownstown; two grandchildren: Katherine Benter and Jack Benter, both of Brownstown; sisters-in-law, Norma Pope of Indianapolis, and Dr. Carol Tanksley of Austin, Texas; and nieces and nephews. Bob was also preceded in death by two brothers: Joe Pope and Al Tanksley. Funeral services for Robert B. Pope will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, with Pastor Doug Pogue officiating. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown. Military honors will be presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47, and Vietnam Vets 7. Memorials may be given to Brownstown Central High School Boys and Girls Basketball programs, Brownstown Christian Church, or Hickory Hills Golf Course. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

Robert B. Pope

December 5, 1938 - December 23, 2023