Cleophas "Opey" Wooten

Cleophas "Opey" Wooten, born May 26, 1933, in Lafayette, Tennessee to Chess and Dollie (Perdue) Wooten, passed away peacefully after a long, well-lived life.
Raised on a farm in Macon County with siblings Homer, Cleon, Leon, and Mary Katherine, he learned early the values that shaped him: work hard, keep your word, and appreciate the outdoors. He attended a one-room schoolhouse, enjoyed fishing and hunting, worked the tobacco fields, and milked cows twice a day (something he never liked). Summers were spent drinking cold spring water and enjoying the simple routines of rural Tennessee.
From 1953 to 1955, Opey served as a carpenter in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, trained further at Fort Eustis, and spent 18 months stationed in Newfoundland, Canada. When he returned home, he built a steady life centered on family, church, and community.
On October 10,1953, before being drafted, he married Marsha Branham, and together they raised three children, Marsha's son Gary and later twins David and Melinda, first on the west side of Indianapolis and later on the south side. He cared for Marsha with unwavering devotion through her breast cancer battle and later during the daunting years of her Alzheimer's, reflecting the steadiness and caretaking that often defined his character.
After Marsha's passing, Opey met Pauline through their church community. Both had lost spouses to Alzheimer's, and they formed a supportive companionship that grew into marriage on January 21, 2012. Through this union he gained not only Pauline but her children, Monte (Rachel) Smith, Mark (Denise) Smith, Debbie Quayle and Sandie (Ken) Love, as well as ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Opey and Pauline were blessed with nearly fourteen years of companionship filled with kindness, partnership, and a deep appreciation for the unexpected second chance they were given.
Hardworking and practical, Opey credited his work ethic to his father, Chess. He worked for International Harvester and later Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1991 after decades of reliable service. Outside of work he was generous, he gardened (known especially for his Missouri Wonder green beans) baked, and did woodworking, donating many of the fruits of his labor. He made toys that reached children as far away as Afghanistan! He enjoyed frog hunting, spent many hours tending the garden, and entertained his grandchildren with his hands-only train whistle.
Opey is remembered as a man who could build almost anything, grow nearly everything, and show deep care without any fuss. He lived with consistency, dry humor, and loyalty. His influence continues through his family, church community, and all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents Chesley and Dollie Wooten; brothers Homer, Cleon, and Leon; his wife of 58 years, Marsha; and his son David. He is survived by his wife, Pauline (Smith) Wooten; his sister Mary Katherine; his son Gary (Beth) Brown; his daughter Melinda (Wooten) Kirkpatrick (Robert Kirkpatrick); four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Gray Road Baptist Church. A link is listed below for convenience.
Funeral services for Opey are Monday, December 1 at 1:00 PM at Singleton & St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, 7602 Madison Ave. Indy 46227. Friends and family are invited to gather from 11:00 AM until the time of service. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Greenwood Cemetery. https://www.elexiogiving.com/app/giving/gray5500134