Matthew Hindle Pope, age 61, of Hutchinson, KS, entered the presence of Jesus on January 18th, 2024 in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a beloved husband, Dad, and Papa. His legacy of love, hospitality and joy touched countless lives.
Matt was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 17, 1962 to Russell and Golda Pope. They moved to Kansas Bible Camp and eventually to a house near the camp. As a child, Matt enjoyed fishing, hunting, and everything flammable, especially fireworks. He also liked his cars and motorcycles - loud and fast. He met Elaine Fraizer while working at McDonald’s. They were married on June 4, 1983. Matt was a devoted husband to Elaine. They enjoyed traveling together to Colorado to ski and hike, to Royals games, and taking cruises. They celebrated 40 wonderful years of marriage in 2023. Matt, a proud graduate of Nickerson High School, dedicated an impressive 36 years of his life to being a UPS driver. Through rain, snow, and sunshine, he delivered with unwavering commitment.
One of Matt’s greatest joys was his children: Michael, Kayla, and Andrew. Matt was a very involved father who loved to play sports and games with his kids and taught them the value of hard work. He prioritized watching his kids’ many sporting events and school programs and making the house a place where they and their friends enjoyed hanging out. And his joy only increased as his children began families of their own. He cherished being Papa to his 9 grandchildren and created lasting memories filled with laughter and love. He always invited them to join him in the many outdoor tasks on his never-ending to-do lists.
Matt and Elaine were faithful members of the Hutchinson Gospel Chapel and served in many ministries there. For many years, he led the Kids Club, leaving a lasting mark on the young hearts he touched. The reward campouts at Kanopolis Lake for those who memorized their verses were especially memorable. He enjoyed volunteering at Kansas Bible Camp where his hard work and dedication spoke volumes to the staff.
From landscaping to woodworking, hunting to hiking, fishing to boating – if it involved the open air, Matt was there. Memorable moments with Matt were often spent in the yard – trimming trees, burning brush, playing on a water slide, and lighting fireworks. His home was a beacon of joy hosting lively 4th of July and New Year's parties for family and friends, always accompanied by fireworks illuminating the night sky. Matt always made sure every kid had a chance to be involved in the fun which meant that the line of kids with sparklers in hand stretched across the backyard. His love of American flags and the patriotic red, white and blue was evident to all. The backyard pond was a source of fun for many. Matt was a patient teacher and took great joy in helping kids learn how to fish. In the chill of winter, Matt's hospitality knew no bounds. His pond, when frozen solid, transformed into a community ice rink.
"Work hard, play hard" was a philosophy Matt embodied. His genuine love and care for people made strangers feel like friends. As terminal cancer entered his life, he faced it with remarkable grace. He would ask two crucial questions of those around him: "What is your PSA number?" and "Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" For Matt, his love of family and friends was only eclipsed by his love for His Savior.
Matt is survived by: his wife Elaine; son Michael (Ellen) Pope of Wichita, KS; daughter Kayla (Jordan) Lemmons of Wichita, KS; son Andrew (Andrea) Pope of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Nathan, Natalie, Nora, and Noah Pope; Ava, Mason, and Piper Lemmons; Daniel and Lucy Pope; his siblings: Mary (John) Denny; Rachel (Paul) Wakefield; Ellen (Dave) Stebbings; Steve (Amy) Pope; James (Wendy) Pope and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on January 27th, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Hutchinson Gospel Chapel (2005 Hendricks St). The service will be livestreamed on the Hutchinson Gospel Chapel Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Memorial contributions can be made to Kansas Bible Camp or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.