Thomas Coppess
Age - 90
August 26, 2023
Thomas Marion Coppess, age 90, of Elwood, IN went to be with the Lord and Savior on Friday, April 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at his residence; Tom's passing was the recause of several illnesses, but mostly from just plain old age! He loved life and worked hard to keep living it! Tom was born in Anderson, IN on March 8, 1933, to the late Earl and Bess (Furnish) Coppess. On October 17, 1959, he married Mary Margaret (Morgan) Coppess at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Noblesville and they shared 63 years of marriage together. Tom graduated from Sheridan High School in 1952 where he was also a member of a very successful basketball team. He proudly served his country in the US Army as a Sound Range Specialist at Fort Sill, OK, and in South Korea during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Ball State University, earning his B. S. and his Master of Education. For several years, Tom worked as a mechanic alongside his father and older brother Gene at Booker's Farm Store, a John Deere dealer in Sheridan. He retired from teaching history at Madison Grant Jr. High School in 1993, having taught at Alexandria H. S. , Duckcreek Boone, and Summitville schools. His students all enjoyed his stories of growing up on a farm and how he loved his John Deere tractors! He also was a longtime basketball coach at Summitville Jr. High. For many years, Tom was involved with the Frankton Antique Tractor Club. He enjoyed antique tractor pulling and attending the Tipton Antique Tractor Show where he loved putting his tractors on display for others to enjoy. Tom's greatest joys were spending time with his family and when he was able to work on his own, or someone else's John Deere tractors. Occasionally, even a red one would find its way to him to work on! When he was no longer able to work outside there was not a Western on TV that he hadn't seen. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Mary Margaret Coppess of Elwood, IN; daughters, Patty (Van) Haisley of Fairmount, IN, and Teresa (Ken) Belesky of Anderson, IN; sons, Tom (Deb) Coppess of Anderson, IN and Terry Coppess of Elwood, IN; eight grandchildren, Curt (Whitney) Haisley of Swayzee, IN, Stephanie (Charles) Brennan of Davenport, IA, Katie (Ken) Brooks of West Liberty, IA, Michael (Brittany) Belesky of New Castle, IN, Ben (Ashley) Coppess of Alexandria, IN, Andrea (Adam) Mandeville of Alexandria, IN, Rachel Coppess of Elwood, IN and Cole Coppess of United States Air Force Academy, CO; thirteen great-grandchildren, Tripp & Grady Haisley of Swayzee, IN, Joanna-Grace & Maggie Brennan of Davenport, IA, Michael & Danny Brooks of West Liberty, IA, Henry & Edith Belesky of New Castle, IN, Everett, Warren & Essie Coppess of Alexandria, IN and Millie & Remy Mandeville of Alexandria, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Clem, Gene, Ben, Mike & Lowell; sisters, Rettie "Zode" Lehman, Colette Redd, Annette Hamilton & Martha Coppess (stillborn infant). The family wishes to thank Dr. David Mares, Southern Care Hospice, Tim Elsworth, Pastor Jerry, the ladies from Florida Station Church of God, and all those who stopped in for a visit, brought food, lent a helping hand, or provided moral support. We could have not gotten through this without you. Visitation will be Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm, and Friday one hour prior to the service at Harper & Dunnichay Funeral Home in Frankton, IN. The funeral service celebrating Tom's life will be at 11:00 am Friday, May 5, 2023, at Harper & Dunnichay Funeral Home, 305 Sigler St. , Frankton, IN, 46044, with Pastor Jerry Hilligoss officiating. Cremation will follow with burial at a later date in the Marion National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Madison Grant FFA or Madison County 4-H Fund for the Future The family has entrusted Tom's care to Harper & Dunnichay Funeral Home.Show more
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