Obituary for Russell Vernon Pope
Russell Vernon Pope was born in Ogden, Utah May 2, 1966, and died of natural causes at home on Monday, February 22, 2021. He is preceded in death by one brother, Michael Don Pope.
Russ joined the United States Navy in 1984 where he served as a Corpsman in Orlando, Florida. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in law enforcement, mental health care, commercial driving, and sales. After graduating from nursing school in 2012, Russ worked as a psychiatric nurse at the Kenton County Jail for four years. Then he found his calling, proudly helping veterans at the VA Domiciliary in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He was a dedicated member of the VA family and found fulfillment in his nursing career there.
Russ never met a stranger. He had an infectious laugh, and a larger than life personality that was unforgettable to anyone who met him.
Russ loved hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, coffee, and spending time with his family. Anyone who knew him would say there was nothing Russ loved more than his wife, Janet, and the time they spent together with their dogs and extended family.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Mckenzie Pope; two stepdaughters, Kelsey McKenzie, Karla Wilson, both of Covington, KY; one daughter, Jessica Pope of Florence, KY; one brother, Stephen Decaria; one sister, Teena (Ryan) Moore, both of St. George Utah; three nephews, Ty Moore, Jeremy Moore, both of Chico, California, Scott Decaria of West Haven, Utah; one niece, LoriAnn Shisk of Lindsay, Oklahoma.
A celebration of life is planned for March 27th at 2:00 PM at Tyler Park, Shelter 2, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Russ’s honor, please contribute to your favorite charity to benefit Veterans. View and sign the guest book www.warefuneralhome.com.
Russ joined the United States Navy in 1984 where he served as a Corpsman in Orlando, Florida. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in law enforcement, mental health care, commercial driving, and sales. After graduating from nursing school in 2012, Russ worked as a psychiatric nurse at the Kenton County Jail for four years. Then he found his calling, proudly helping veterans at the VA Domiciliary in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He was a dedicated member of the VA family and found fulfillment in his nursing career there.
Russ never met a stranger. He had an infectious laugh, and a larger than life personality that was unforgettable to anyone who met him.
Russ loved hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, coffee, and spending time with his family. Anyone who knew him would say there was nothing Russ loved more than his wife, Janet, and the time they spent together with their dogs and extended family.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Mckenzie Pope; two stepdaughters, Kelsey McKenzie, Karla Wilson, both of Covington, KY; one daughter, Jessica Pope of Florence, KY; one brother, Stephen Decaria; one sister, Teena (Ryan) Moore, both of St. George Utah; three nephews, Ty Moore, Jeremy Moore, both of Chico, California, Scott Decaria of West Haven, Utah; one niece, LoriAnn Shisk of Lindsay, Oklahoma.
A celebration of life is planned for March 27th at 2:00 PM at Tyler Park, Shelter 2, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Russ’s honor, please contribute to your favorite charity to benefit Veterans. View and sign the guest book www.warefuneralhome.com.