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Francis Oliver Coplen

Written on May 15, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Categories: Fulton County, Obituaries Archive 2017

Francis Oliver Coplen, 92, died on Sunday, May 14, 2017, surrounded by family.

He leaves his brother, Melville Coplen of Warsaw; his son, Larry Coplen of Indianapolis; his daughter Linda (Coplen) Hagan of Oswego, Ill.; his granddaughter Angela Ossar and great-grandson Milo Ossar of Austin, Texas; and his significant other, Janis Shambarger of Plymouth. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Frances Coplen; one brother, James Coplen; and wife Janet (Zartman) Coplen.

Born in Rochester on May 11, 1925, he lived in Indiana all his life, graduating from Rochester High School. He married Janet in 1947 and they moved to Argos, where he served as Postmaster until his retirement. They lived in Argos until her death in 2011.

He is remembered as a friend to everyone, quick-witted and always ready to lend a hand. He was happiest when he was playing euchre, bowling, or riding his motorcyle. Mr. Coplen was a longtime member of the Argos Lions Club, Rochester Moose Lodge, Rochester Eagles Club, and First Christian Church of Rochester. A lifelong blood donor who once earned his 9 gallon pin, he also volunteered with the senior center and Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester, driving senior citizens to their doctor’s appointments.

 Pastor Mike VanHeyningen will officiate services. Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
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