Stephen H. Cape

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Stephen Harris Cape died Thursday, April 15, 2010, in Bloomington, Indiana, after a brief illness.

He was born November 11, 1953, in Springfield to John Harris Cape and Edith LeSeure Cape.

He is survived by his mother, Edith M. Cape, and his sister, Diane M. Cape, both of Springfield, and by Rebecca Cape of Spencer, Indiana. He also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and his beloved pets. He was preceded in death by his father.

Stephen received his bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and two master's degrees from Indiana University. His special interests were music, especially classical guitar, poetry and books. He loved animals, nature and wildlife.

Stephen was a cataloger of rare books and special collections at Lilly Library, the principal rare books, manuscripts and special collections repository of Indiana University. He organized exhibitions and was the author of several professional articles. He traveled to Oxford University, England, to attend and present at rare book conferences.

A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, April 25, 2010, from 2-3 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home, with a memorial service at 3 p.m. with Deacon Frank Maynerich officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702-1766 or the Nature Conservancy.