Gene Copp

WASHINGTON – Gene W. Copp, 86, of Washington, died at 11:16 pm Sunday, December 30, 2007 at OSF Medical Center in Peoria. Born on November 21, 1921 in Rutland, IL to George G. and Agnes Malavich Copp, he married Betty L. Scudder on April 20, 1947 in Toluca, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 1 daughter Terry (Jim) Hendrickson of Peoria, IL; 1 brother, Jerry Copp of Streator IL; 3 sisters Irene (Ted Sexton of Harbor, MI, Charlotte (Ed) Hoffman and Marian (Bob) Mertens both of Benson, AZ; also 4 Grandchildren 8 Great grandchildren and 2 Great Great grandchildren He was preceded in death by 1 son, Edward Copp and 1 daughter Sandee Pender both in 2002, and 2 brothers, George and Richard. Gene was a Navy Veteran serving during WW II in the Pacific, first on the USS Markab AD21, and then on the Destroyer USS Jarvis #799. He was the Office Manager and Accountant for Essig Motor Co. in Washington for 33 years, and then for Uftring Chevy Oldsmobile in Washington until he retired. Gene was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War #9016 in Washington, where he had served as the Post Commander. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. He was a dedicated 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Menco Council #6707 in Washington. He also was an active member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Spalding Assembly #206 in Peoria, where he held several offices including Faithful Navigator, Gene also was a dedicated member of the 4th degree K of C Honor Guard and was the Exemplification Class Honoree in June 1999. He was a member of the church Dart ball league for many years and was a Past President of the Peoria Catholic Dart ball League. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday January 3, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, Fr. Joseph P. Donton will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Wednesday with Recitation of the Rosary at 5:45 at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington; additional visitation will be from 9:30 till 10:00 at the church on Thursday. Graveside Services will be at 1:30PM on Thursday at Reilly Cemetery in Rutland

Gene Copp

November 21, 1921 - December 30, 2007