Leslie "Ed" Edward Pope of Steelville, Missouri passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 at Life Care in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 80 years, 5 months and 17 days. Ed was born September 27, 1933 in Union, Missouri to Frank Dillard Pope and Tilda Irene Breeden Pope. On February 29, 1988 in Union, Missouri he was united in marriage to Linda Harper who survives of the home.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of twenty-six years, Linda Pope of Steelville, MO; two daughters, Ramona Lynn Guthrie and husband Jack of Louisville, IL and Corinna Holaus and husband John of Columbia, IL; one step-daughter, Alisa McGrew of Mattoon, IL; two step-sons, Rick Payne and wife Debbie of Farina, IL and Don Garms and wife Kara of Steelville, MO; one brother, Frank Pope and wife Sharon of Godfrey, IL; one sister, Oleta Wieneke of Acton, IL; two brothers in-law, Charles Harper and wife Donna of Steelville, MO and Lonnie Harper and wife Jean of Sullivan, MO; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Edward Dale Pope; two brothers, Melvin Pope and Danny Vondracek; one sister, Irene Honaker; and one sister in-law, Barbara Harper.

Ed served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950 until 1953. He received a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal and a United Nations service medal for his bravery. He was a liftetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the Cuba VFW.

Ed worked several years in the food service business and owned restaurants in Alton, IL and Jonesboro, AR.

He attended the Assembly of God Church in Steelville. Ed enjoyed watching college sports especially Indiana University Basketball and Notre Dame Football. After Steelville played basketball in the Show Me State Games one year, Ed was given the game ball for being such a big supporter.

After Ed's life was over he became an organ donor for others who had health needs.

The Family received friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers and Rev. Tommy Slovensky officiating. Special music of "Amazing Grace" was played by Cyrus and Matthias Slovensky. Other music of "Way Over Yonder" was also played.

Following the service, full military honors were given by the U.S. Army.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri.