Roy Donald "Don" Cope, 87, of Martinsburg, passed away at 4:32 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at SSM – St. Mary's Hospital – Audrain in Mexico, Missouri.

Mr. Cope was born February 1, 1929, in Martinsburg, Missouri, a son of Henry Virgil and Pauline Elizabeth (Fort) Cope.

He was a 1947 graduate of Montgomery County R-II High School.

On May 15, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg, he married Leona Elizabeth Wieschhaus. They shared over 66 years together and were the proud parents of seven children. Don and Leona had lived on their farm in rural Martinsburg since 1954 and Don lived in Martinsburg most all of his life.

Don drove a gas truck for Martinsburg Farmers Elevator for many years. He also raised livestock.

Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg and Knights of Columbus Council Local No. 1270.

He loved horses and ponies. Don had a team that he hooked to his buggy that he drove in several parades and weddings. He always enjoyed dressing up in his top hat and tails for these affairs.

Don is survived by his wife, Leona Elizabeth Cope, of Martinsburg; six sons and their spouses, James LeRoy "Jim" Cope and significant other, Barbara Pappas, of Mexico, Carlos Franklin "Corky" and Leveta Cope, of Auxvasse, Edward Duane "Ed" and Barbara Cope, Thomas Eugene "Tom" and Juanita Cope, Robert Joseph "Bob" and Sharon Cope and Roger Allen and Debbie Cope, all of Martinsburg; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and sister and brother-in-law, Martha Lou and Charlie Andrews, of Buell.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Lou Cope and parents, Henry and Pauline Cope.

Visitation was held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., with Rosary at 6:00 p.m, Sunday, November 13, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 14, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg. Father Joseph Abah and Deacon Ron Deimeke officiated. Serving as organist was Ruth Wilson. Cantor was Jan Schafer.

Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, south of Martinsburg. Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Aaron Cope, Clent Cope, Matt Cope, Paul Cope, Travis Cope and Tyler Cope. Honorary pallbearers were his granddaughters, Tonya Alm, Cassandra Brooks, Lexa Cope, Victoria Cope, Ashley Crum, Adrienne Eifler, Rachael Foreman, Stacey Knaebel, Christina Loyd, Jennifer Singleton, Michelle White and Kim Wright.

Services were under the direction of the Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Memorial contributions were suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School or the Alzheimer's Association c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.

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