Robert Lee Cope

Robert L. Cope Sr., age 86, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital on July 18, 2025.

Born on June 23, 1939, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, he was the son of Frank and Juanita Cope. Bob attended school in both New Richmond and Wingate, and later returned to earn his high school diploma from Jefferson High School while working a full time job and raising his young family.

At a young age, he fell in love with his childhood sweetheart, Connie Kay (Freeman) Cope. The two were married for 68 years, building a life full of devotion, joy, and family. Connie survives.

Together they raised four children: Cindy, Bobby, Lisa, and Troy. Bob was a proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and he cherished every moment spent cheering them on in their sports and activities. Bob especially loved family gatherings, nothing brought him more joy than having everyone together. He had a standing rule that dinner started promptly at 6:00 p.m., and he expected everyone to be on time. Those evenings, full of stories, laughter, and love, were some of his greatest joys.

Bob worked for over 30 years at a finance company and later spent some time working for Etter Ford. His passions extended far beyond work, he loved racing, once driving stock cars himself and later staying involved in the sport with his sons. He was an avid NASCAR and Purdue fan, loved fishing, and rarely passed up a good western.

A man of deep commitment to his community, Bob joined the Masonic Lodge at the age of 21, served as president of the East Union PTA, and was an active member of both the Elks and Optimus Clubs. He was also a faithful member of Whitesville Christian Church.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Connie; two children, Bobby (Kertrena) Cope Jr., Lisa (Terry) Cooksey, a son in law, Jim Rauch, daughter in law, Crystal Cope and three sisters, Joyce Love, Sherri Suiter, and Tina Biddle; three brothers, Jim, Jeff, and Mark Cope; as well as his grandchildren, Torey (Bethany) Rauch, Kylee (Chris) Rezabek, Trisha (Ben) Yeoman, Tiffany (Matt) Clark, Shelby (Kyle) Burger, Drake (Maddie) Cooksey, Luke (Lizzy) Cope, two step grandchildren: Amanda and Heather and 15 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Cindy Rauch and son Troy Cope; sisters Donna Sheets and Bev Harpel; and brothers Dave and Larry Cope.

Bob's legacy is one of loyalty, laughter, and love, a life well-lived and well-loved.

A celebration of life will be held at Whitesville Christian Church, 3603 South Ladoga Rd., Crawfordsville, IN on Saturday, July 26th. Visitation will be 4-6pm, followed by the service at 6pm with Pastors Mike Whitacre and David Bower officiating. The family will do a private burial at Waynetown Masonic Cemetery at a later date. Sanders Funeral Care entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.