Kenneth Pope Jr.

Kenneth E. Pope Jr. was born on July 11th, 1977, in Madison Wisconsin, and was the son of Kenneth Sr. and Loretta Pope who both have preceeded him in death.

At the age of 5, Kenneth’s paternal grandmother sat him in front of a piano, and he astonishingly began to play music by ear that day. He was quickly enrolled in piano lessons and spent many Sundays with church musicians sharpening his craft. Kenneth loved music and the theater, and don’t even get me started about how much he loved New York, where he could be surrounded by both. Kenneth traveled all over the world singing, from Germany to Italy to Amsterdam and many more countries with “The Singing Statesmen” of Eau Claire. He also loved singing with the Philharmonic Chorus of Madison, where he was often featured during their beloved Tudor Holiday Dinner Concert. Kenneth's voice was also featured in a Community Actor's Theatre Christmas production in San Diego, CA. Kenneth had a voice that went deep into the heart and brought forth joy. Whether he sang classical, jazz, or his favorite gospel, audiences were completely captivated by his outstanding voice and talent.

Kenneth was a Christian and was a member of Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church. He loved God with his entire heart and served as a Minister of Music, Musical Consultant/Advisor, and Singer with many Gospel choirs and musical groups in both Madison and Chicago.

Kenneth was a member of the Capital City Lodge #2, which is a legally constituted lodge working under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. He loved and felt great honor being a Mason, and before his passing was getting more and more involved in this highly esteemed organization.

Kenneth served as a teacher with the Madison Metropolitan School District and in the Cash Management office for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Teaching was his passion! He planned to one day transfer to work at a military base to teach abroad.

Kenneth loved his friends and family deeply. If Kenneth liked you, he liked you, never gave up on you, and always believed in you. His friend circle was small, yet powerful, and he loved them to life. Kenneth's life was starting to flourish. He talked about visiting other cities, moving up from current work position, and pursuing life. He will be missed beyond measure.

Kenneth E Pope Jr. age 45, of Madison, WI. passed away on February 10th, 2023, at the UW hospital. Kenneth is survived by Kimberly E. Coburn - Sister, Kyle E. Pope - Brother, Charles Coburn - Brother-in-law, James (Beth) Pope - Uncle, Sandra Kendrick - Aunt, Bettie Jean Lipscomb - Aunt, Johnnie May Willis - Aunt, Evelyn (Leon) Jackson - Aunt, Margie Hunter - Aunt, and many more cousins, Godchildren, and close friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by Kenneth E. Pope Sr. - Father, Loretta Pope - Mother, Edna Kendrick - Grandmother-Paternal, Osborne Kendrick - Grandfather-Paternal, Evergreen Hunter - Grandmother-Maternal, John Hunter - Grandfather-Maternal, Bob Hunter - Uncle, and Edmonia Hunter – Aunt.

Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 25th at the Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church, 3705 N Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704. A funeral service will follow at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

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