Paul Winford Cope, 87, went peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with his family by his side.
Paul was born on Jan. 23, 1939, to Edwin and Flonnie (Leigh) Cope. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1957. Paul married Gail (Mansfield) Cope in 1963. She preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 2022. He was a devoted and caring husband for almost 60 years.
Paul proudly served in the National Guard as a gunman and motor launcher for eight years between 1956-1964, stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was a faithful member of the Nazarene Church in Fort Lauderdale and Crawfordsville. His career as a professional painter and cabinet builder spanned almost his entire life; starting to work in his trade while a teenager and not retiring until he was 76 years old. Even though Paul officially retired at age 76, he still used his talents and gifts to help others until almost his last earthly breath.
Paul loved and served his family. Paul was known to be a quite, humble, strong, talented, level-headed, easy-going, quiet-spirited man of faith. He would always take time to sit and talk with someone who needed encouragement, sound advice or just a listening ear. He loved bowling, fishing, home improvement projects, woodworking, painting, listening to old gospel music (with the Gaither’s being his favorite), and playing Mexican Train Dominos and cards with his family. He was always supportive and proud of his children and grandchildren; being very active in their lives and always attending their sporting and school events to cheer them on.
Paul is proceeded in death by his wife, Gail (Mansfield) Cope; parents Edwin and Flonnie Cope; and brother Eldon Cope.
He is survived by his brother, Gene (Karen) Cope; children, Deborah (John) Webb, Norman Cope and Troy (Jessica) Cope; grandchildren, Corey (Frankie) Maxwell, Caitlyn (Bart) O’Connell, Ethan Cope, Ivan Stubsten and Gracie Stubsten; and great-grandchildren Ryleigh Maxwell, Charlotte Maxwell, Everett Belden and Patrick O’Connell.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” — 2 Timothy 4:7
