Billy Dean Cope

Billy Dean Cope was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, on January 3, 1944. He passed away in Carnegie Oklahoma on January 21, 2024.

Before his deployment, in 1961, Billy married Ethel Gertrude Howell in Vernon, Texas. From this union they had five children: Roddy Cope, Roger Cope, Justin Cope, Casey Cope and Crystal Cope Bowers with husband, Mike. Billy and Ethel also welcomed four grandchildren and three bonus grandchildren. Billy and Ethel also have three bonus great-grandchildren. Billy loved being a grandpa and a great-grandpa. His grandkids kept him active near the end of his life.

In 1967, Billy was drafted into the U.S. Army. He received medals for pistol shooting and firing mortars. He spent time in Germany, patrolling in the cold and even getting frostbite on his fingers and toes. Billy was very proud to be a soldier and a veteran.

Billy found his career and passion in the church, becoming a preacher in 1984. He started preaching in Blair, Oklahoma. Billy attended a mission trip in 1986 with Nora Lam Ministries and found his calling in mission work. He was a devoted missionary to the Philippines up until his death. He built mission schools and churches, bringing many people to Christ.

When he wasn’t ministering in his mission, he was farming. He had been a farmer all his life. Billy raised cattle, wheat, cotton and peanuts. Billy loved being on the tractor. Even when he broke his hip, after it was healed it was common to see Billy’s walker left behind in a field while Billy was on the tractor.

Billy was also a skilled businessman, running Cope Insurance Agency and Cope Auto Sales.

Billy loved visiting and meeting new people. Billy Dean Cope will be missed dearly by his friends and family members.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel Gertrude Cope; children: Casey Cope, Crystal Cope Bowers and husband, Mike; Brooklyn Cope Cook and husband, Dalton; Caleb Cope; bonus daughter, Sarlinee Gullett and husband, Robbie; grandchildren: Kasidie Bowers Owen and husband Zach, Chance Reynolds, Jerrod Bowers, Rachel Williams. Logan Bowers and wife, Jordan, Sarah Palmer and husband Blake, and Greer Duan Cope; great-grandchildren: Emery Palmer, Avery Palmer and Julian Bowers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Hazel Cope, brother, Kenneth Cope, sons, Roddy Cope, Roger Cope, & Justin Cope, Parent in laws Herman & Muriel Howell, Brother in laws Curtis Howell and Joe Howell

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Eakly Assembly of God in Eakly, Oklahoma. Interment was in the Eakly Cemetery in Eakly, Oklahoma.

Visitation was held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Family welcomed guesdt from 5-7 p.m. at Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home in Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Services were under the direction of Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home on Carnegie, Oklahoma.