John Cope

IRONTON, Mo. -- John William Cope, 99, of Ironton, formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019, at The Baptist Home.

He was born Aug. 31, 1919, in Canalou, Missouri, to the late John Washington and Mildred Engram Cope. John and Madrene Robinson were married June 15, 1940. She preceded him in death June 10, 2008.

John served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS LSM-324 in New Caledonia, Philippines and Japan. He was a member and deacon of Red Star Baptist Church, worked in sales for Bird and Son Roofing for many years and was a farmer.

He enjoyed playing golf and even got a hole-in-one. He also loved to fish with his late wife, Madrene.

Survivors include daughters, Elaine (Howard) Webb of Rendon, Texas, and Judith Bess (the late, Alvin Bess) of Cape Girardeau; brother, Clyde (Jean) Cope of Bridgeton, Missouri; sister, Patricia (Richard) Hawkins of Blue Springs, Missouri; grandson, Bryan (Lee) Brown; great-grandchildren, Douglas and Connor Brown and Allison, Emma and Lorna Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Madrene Robinson; brothers, Alfred Cope, Iley "Shorty" Cope and James K. Cope; and son-in-law, Alvin Bess.

The family would like to express its gratitude for the love and care John and his late wife both received at The Baptist Home; specifically, Sherry Snider, Connie Francis, Patty Risher and James Cowins, who showed John much love and care in the final days.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Gerald Collier officiating. Burial will follow at Unity Baptist Church Cemetery, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Baptist Home, 101 Riggs Scott Lane, Ironton, MO 63650.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.