William J. Cope

William (Bill) J. Cope, age 76 of Eaton, Ohio died Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Versailles Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Versailles, Ohio. William was born on October 8, 1949, in Franklin, Ohio, son of the late William Phillip "Whitey" & Eva Frances (Moodispaugh) Cope. He was a veteran of the United States Army having proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict after volunteering at the age of 18. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal dated May 1969.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharleen L. (Hake) Cope; his sons and daughters-in-law, Alexander L. Cope and Elena Tsvetkova, and Austen and Amanda Cope; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cathleen Baker, Colleen and Gregory Frazier, Keith and Lula Hake, Phillip Hake, and Theodore and Susan Hake; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and family.

Bill had the gift of gab. He truly never met a stranger, often conversing with people he just met for hours. Sharleen joked that she never left the house without a book because if he started talking to someone, she never knew when he would stop. He loved telling stories with family and friends, especially recalling adventures from his youth. He often shared his wisdom and life experiences with his children, nieces, and nephews. At family gatherings, the cousins could always tell when Bill was in his “lecture mode.” Bill used his talent for talking in his professional life. He held many jobs after his time in Vietnam, including pursuing some of his own business ventures. However, he was most proud of his success as a car salesman, a role for which he was seemingly built. The world is too quiet a place without him.

A Graveside Service with full military honors was held at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Homes-Eaton, Ohio.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the Website at www.barnesfuneralhome.com