Mr. Chick-fil-a

David Pope Nov. 6, 1936 - May 24, 2012 It’s interesting how some people move into a community and weave themselves into the very fabric. David Pope was that kind of guy. After a career in the military where he received the rank of Lt. Colonel, Mr. Pope opened a Chick- fil- a in the Central Mall in Lawton over 30 years ago. I know this because my then future wife Dede was an employee there. Dede and I will be married 28 years this June. I’m sure that I made many unnecessary trips to the mall and not because of the Chick-fil-a. I’m sure it was Crutchers Western Wear which was right across the way but I sure was intrigued by the dark eyed girl behind the counter. Little did I know that that dark eyed girl in the red apron would be my future wife. She, like many other young people growing up in a working family had to have a job and David Pope provided that. Working for Mr. Pope was a very structured environment given his military background and he instilled company pride and a good work ethic in countless young people who worked for him at Chick-fil-a. Chic-fil-a was started in Georgia by man named Truett Cathey who was very staunch in his values. Mr. Cathey believed Sunday was family time and believed no one should work on the Sabbath. David Pope was no different and even to this day Chick-fil-a is closed on Sunday. It would’ve been interesting at the funeral to see former employees stand up because I’m sure many in the huge crowd that attended his service had been former employees. Mr. Pope later opened another franchise and the Pope family still runs both restaurants. My hope is that Chick-fil-a corporate suits will see the value of continuing this family operation and will allow Doug Pope to continue in his father’s footsteps. That remains to be seen. He was very active in the community and was always a great supporter of the Comanche County Jr. Livestock show. He purchased many animals over the years at the premium sale and invested in young people wherever he could. Mr. Pope was also elected County Commissioner for a time and took that job very seriously also. I know from personal experience that David Pope was solid. He always claimed to be a democrat even though he was one of the most conservative men you would ever meet I remember many spirited political discussions through the years but to him family was a top priority. He watched with great pride as his own kids grew up and raised families but he also treated former employees as part of his extended family and was always interested in their children and the progress of their careers. In today’s climate of large corporations many of which have decisions made in some corporate headquarters in some other state, it’s refreshing to see a family business like David Pope started, continue to thrive. Many people from my era learned to work and survive not only from family values instilled at home but that lesson continued in the work place from guys just like David Pope. He didn’t have much patience for laziness and instilled that high expectation in the kids that worked for him and he had a hand in raising a bunch of them here in this area and he will be missed. My assessment of Mr. Pope was he was hard headed but he was a good egg. He was always good to my family and he will always be appreciated. If you would like to contact me at the Capitol, feel free to call 1-800-522-8502 or email donarmes@okhouse.gov And here’s a little something to think about as you go down the road: If there’s time for leanin’ there’s time for cleaning~ David Pope