Beckham County, OK - Obits: Charles Henry Cope, 1923
Sunday, 16 Dec 2007
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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COPE, CHARLES HENRY
(30 Aug 1923, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
Charles Henry Cope, age 63 years was born in Copeville, Texas, July 16,
1860, died Elk City, Oklahoma, August 25th, 1923.
His early boy-hood was spent on a ranch near Abilene, Texas, moving to
Bowie, Texas, as a young man, where he was married to Miss Nora Kate
VanVacter in 1889.  Mr. Cope moved to Oklahoma in 1896, being one of the
first pioneers of this country.  He and his family were an asset from the
beginning, always standing for the betterment of the schools and churches
and improvements of all kinds for his community.
Few men in life have served their fellow men so loyally and faithfully as
did Henry Cope, and few in death have been so genuinely mourned.
Mr. Cope was sheriff in this county for six years and was county assessor
for several years.  In fact was honored by being placed in some office in
county almost constantly during his residence here.
Mr. Cope as a pioneer in Western Oklahoma was known more intimately
perhaps than any other citizen.  In the early days of settlement of this
country, there was no more sympathetic or charitable spirit than that of
C. H. Cope, and there are hundreds still living who remember his many
deeds of kindness and generosity.  He was ever ready to share his last
portion with a needy neighbor or stranger and their gratitude was their
only pay.  In office he was just and fearless and no man ever questioned
his honor or integrity.  If you were in the right he was with you; if you
were in the wrong, he helped you to get right.  His whole life was one of
service.  Mr. Cope was never so busy, never so engrossed in his own
affairs but that he had time for a hearty handshake and a word of
encouragement or a friendly chat.  Every one who knew him will always
cherish the memory of this noble man.
Funeral services were held at Baptist church Sunday at 3:30 p.m. of which
church he had been an active member since a young many of twenty-three.  A
large crowd attended showing the respect and love held for their friend. 
The church was beautifully decorated with potted plants and flowers.  Many
beautiful floral offering were banked around the casket.  Quite a number
were present from Sayre, Ural and from near the farm home of Mr. Cope. 
The choir sang "Asleep in Jesus."  Rev. Sebe Thomas led in a prayer that
touched all hearts.  Mrs. William Francis and Mrs. W. O. Gibbs sang "The
City of Dreams."  Rev. J. B. Conley, assisted by Rev. Sebe Thomas
conducted the services.
The acting pall bearers were J. R. Shaffer, S. E. Brown, Frank Hunt of
this City and Frank Carmichael, Dr. O. N. Windle and Mr. Rook of Sayre. 
The honorary pall bearers were W. Sparks, J. R. Dennis, W. C. Jones, Dr.
E. B. Crowder, W. C. Thomas and H. C. Powell.
The interment was made in Fairlawn cemetery.  At the grave Rev. Thomas
offered prayer.
Mr. Cope was preceded to his last resting place by his father, J. M. Cope
and mother, Rachael Smith Cope, two brothers and a sister.  He is survived
by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Orlene George and Mrs. Frances Randall of
Oklahoma City, three sons, Miles and Ray of Texas, and Robert of this
place.  Mr. Cope's children were with him almost constantly during his
long illness and their presence was deeply appreciated by Mr. Cope, which
was shown by his last conversation to Mrs. Cope when he told her not to
call the boys who had thought their father safe and returned to Texas, for
they had paid him a months visit when he could enjoy them.  But as soon as
Miles and Ray received word of their father's death they made every effort
to reach here in time for the funeral but on account of car trouble were
delayed and did not arrive until Monday.
Mr. Cope leaves four brothers, W. E. Cope and M. C. Cope of Abilene,
Texas, and L. B. Cope, Roscoe, Texas and W. L. Cope, Big Springs, Texas
(30 Aug 1923, Sayre Headlight, Sayre, Beckham Co, OK):
C. H. Cope, whose previous illness and amputation of his arm has been
mentioned died Saturday afternoon at Music Hospital, Elk City.
Mr. Cope's illness started from a scratch on one of his fingers of the
right hand resulting in blood poisoning.  Two fingers were amputated but
this did not stop the progress of the disease and it was found necessary
to amputate the right arm between the wrist and elbow.
Even this failed and typhoid fever developed, and for two weeks past he
has been in a very critical condition, during which time his physicians
held out no hope to his friends for his recovery.
The funeral services held at Elk City on Sunday afternoon were largely
attended; many old friends from this city being present.  Mr. Cope was
probably one of the best known men in Beckham Co.  He has served this
county in the capacity of sheriff, being three times elected, and once
defeated.
The Headlight extends their sympathy to the bereaved family.  He leaves a
wife, two daughters and two sons, three of whom are grown.  Robert, the
youngest being now about 15 years of age.

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