R.H. COPE

SIKESTON -- R.H. "Rusty" Cope, 83, of Sikeston died Saturday at St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 20, 1912, in Blodgett to the late Milton and Alma Marshall Cope. He was a 1931 graduate of Blodgett High School and a former member of the Sikeston Jaycees. Cope was a member of First Baptist Church in Sikeston and had formerly owned Alabama Feed and Produce Co. in Sikeston. For many years he transported mail by truck for the U.S. Postal Service as a private contractor.

He married June Chewning on April 11, 1936, in Fornfelt. She survives.

He is also survived by a son, R.H. "Sonny" Cope of Dallas, a daughter, Mary Jane Grinstead of Chicago and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. Jim Guffie officiating. Burial will follow in Blodgett Cemetery.