Paul Eugene Cope

I had a class with Brother Cope. I saw him on campus often. He was the most gracious person you would ever want to meet!! He will be sorely missed!!! God bless you for being such a strong light for Jesus!!

In memory of Paul Eugene Cope, Joe and Nancy Moran lit a candle

Dear Sigrid, we were saddened to hear that Paul had passed away but at the same time we began to rejoice that this special servant of the Lord had immediately entered the Glorious Presence of God. We shared some wonderful years as part of the CBC family with Karen being given organ lessons, and Dean as a newbie faculty member. We quickly learned how much the administration, faculty and student body loved and respected this gifted musician and teacher. As a divisional chair, Paul endeared himself to Dean when he became the Vice President of Academics. Paul's wisdom, encouragement and loyalty were remarkable regardless of the academic challenges. His kindness and humility impacted both his students and his colleagues. Thank you, Lord, for allowing this anointed servant to impact our lives. We continue to pray for you, Sigrid, and your precious family.

I really thought a lot of him.....A very fine man and teacher.

I’m so sorry about your loss of Paul. Eddie and I enjoyed meeting and visiting at your house few times in Springfield Mo. I send my love and prayers to the family. Wanda Yarbrough

Dear Sigrid. I am so sorry about your loss but so glad that in 1959 when Andy Spence, president of Southeastern, called my mother, Virginia Chadwick, and offered her a job at the college, you decided to move with us to Lakeland, Little did you or I know that God had our future husbands here waiting for us. You met Paul Cope, and I met Dwight Redus. God blessed both of us with many years of happy marriage. Now Paul and Dwight are both in Heaven, and they have probably met again and are rejoicing. Some day we will be reunited with them. I love you, my dear cousin, and hope to come to see you one of these days.

Obie and I became acquainted with Paul in 1958 when we sang in a mixed quartet and also them men's quartet and ladies' trio at Southeastern Bible College in Lakeland, Fl. His expertise in music was evident then as he guided us in best using our talents for Jesus. His gentle, but firm leadership made him a dear friend. Obie and I were honored to sing in their wedding in early August of 1960 just weeks before I entered nurses' training in Memphis, TN. Some time after that I was surprised and happy that they stopped by my dorm to say "Hi" as they made their way to MO and their years at CBC. In 1984 Obie and I, along with our three sons, moved to Springfield, MO and were happy to rekindle our friendship with Paul and Sig and their three children. How we have missed them since they moved back east. May the loving arms of our precious Lord comfort you, Sig, and Brent, Brian and Kristi. Our love and prayers, Obie and Marie Harrup

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I'm so sorry to hear about Paul, he was a very kind man

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time celebrating Paul’s home going. Yes, there are so many memories from your days at Central and CBC. One memory stands out above all, from Central. When Paul opened up the organ for congregational singing the whole church was filled with that gorgeous music inspiring us to sing out at our best. Of course, his preludes were beautiful as well. During our days at CBC we saw Paul do all in his power to encourage faculty and students to be at our best. Paul was a gifted musician with a heart after God’s perfect will. Now, we can imagine Paul actively involved in the heavenly music program. Love and blessings to you Sig, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. We know you dearly love your Paul. We support you with our love and prayers. We do plan to join you live stream.

I have known that this day would come and no matter how long it has been, I could never imagine you gone. You were such a gentle soul loved by many and One of the greatest father's and Father's in law a girl could ever ask for. I loved your sense of quiet humor and quick wit. I loved to hear you sing although it was rare. I remember hearing former students speaking of you and how happy they were to see you. And so it is, the world doesn't seem as bright without your light Dad, and I will miss you terribly. I'll leave this now, but I will not say goodbye but I will see you soon. Love always ~ Cindy

Praying for you at this time of loss. What a legacy he leaves through his family, his music, his students, but especially his Christian life.

I was 18 years old when I met my mother's cousins Sigrid and Paul Cope. My dad drove me to Springfield and dropped me off at their home with their promise that they would help me move into Evangel College, in his place, because he had to get back to his church. I was scared and unsure and anxious. I remember how warm and welcoming they were--somehow knowing that I was really worried about moving into this monumental new stage in my life's journey. I stayed in their home for three days. Paul was so generous with his time, helping me move into my dorm room. Sigrid was so kind in telling me stories about my beloved grandmother and grandfather and how much she loved my mom and her sisters. After I moved into my dorm I was a frequent guest at their home for Sunday dinners. They kept an eye on me. They gave me a sense of security and belonging when I was afraid and anxious. Sadly, life got in my way over these more than 52 years...I haven't kept the Cope's on my radar screen except at family funerals or news updates through my mom...but I have never forgotten Paul's generosity towards me or Sigrid's calm arms of comfort around my shoulders so many decades ago. His life, so well lived, exemplified the Father's two simple (but often hard to keep top of mind) expectations of his children: 1. Love God above all others 2. Love your neighbor (in this case your scared baby cousin) as you love yourself! Paul Cope, thank you for modeling a life of love of God and love of your neighbor for me and my family. I am sad for our loss of your earthly presence but I join so many others in rejoicing that you are in the very presence of the King of Kings! Happy Homecoming Day!!! Love, Blanche

I worked in the music department at Central Bible College. Paul Cope was a fantastic boss. He loved God, his music ministry, his family and the talented music students. He shared so many words of wisdom.

Your beautiful family remains on this earth, but now your spirit is watching over them all.

To Sigrid and the family,my thoughts and prayers are with you. Paul was such a great talent and also a very dedicated Christian man. He was a man of few words but great wisdom. I am sorry that I cannot attend his service but I have another commitment at that time that I cannot get out of. Our love to you and the family, Terry & Nazera Hudson

Dear Cope Family, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Cope. I remember him fondly from my days as a young girl in Springfield. He was always so kind to me. Please know I am praying for your family as you grieve this tremendous loss.

Sigrid and family, we know the loss of Paul's presence will be great. He was a dear friend to us, a beloved colleague to me (Jane) who assisted in my beginning days of teaching. He had a nice dry sense of humor, was always kindhearted to all. Jim and I loved having you as our neighbors. May your family be comforted in the good memories we all have of him and know that he is "home" where his heart was drawn to by the Lord.

Bro Cope was a kind man who treated each one as valuable. Wonderful teacher and mentor. God bless your family with peace and comfort.

SO SORRY FOR THE FAMILY LOSS, KNOW PAUL WAS SO SO DEAR TO THE FAMILY AN MANY OTHERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR BEING IN HIS HOME NOW. LOVE FOREVER

Sincere sympathies on your loss, Sigrid. CBC alums: Debby (Kitts) White '68-'70 Cal White' 68-'72

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.