Donald Joseph Cope

Donald Joseph Cope, 95, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 14, 1930, the son of the late Earl Ernest and Ruth Caroline Augusta (Abraham) Cope. He graduated from Manual High School in 1948 and studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University.

Don married the love of his life, the late Ragene Anne (Remler) Cope, on October 7, 1950. They were approaching their 69th anniversary when Ragene passed away in 2019.

He worked as a mechanical engineer at RCA for the entirety of his career, until he was given a retirement package in his 50s after RCA was purchased by Bertelsmann in 1987. Not ready to stop working, he served as a consultant for over a decade.

Don was the second youngest of 11 children. As a child, Don lost his father in an interurban crash in 1937. He worked multiple jobs during his youth to help support his family, including serving as an usher at theaters in his Fountain Square neighborhood.

A patient, kind and loving father, Don made it a point to attend his children’s events throughout their education and beyond. He saved money to ensure that they could attend college without the burden of student loans. He was known for his work ethic, positive attitude, sense of humor, faith and, most importantly, his devotion to his wife and family.

He loved to golf, build everything from birdhouses and clocks to pet carriers and decks, and travel to Florida with his family

Don was preceded in death by siblings Vera Louise Arthur Johnson, Helen Emma Saunders, Ralph “Bud” Carl, Howard Charles, Ervin Earl, Raymond Louis, Robert Ernest, Lorene Ruth Terhune/Padgett, and Wilma “Billie” Mae Wilson.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie Cope Saetre, and her husband, Pete; his son, Donald Roy Cope, and his wife, Wendy Wood; his sister Lois LeAnne Neuerman; his granddaughter Sandra Sookoo and her husband, David; and his loving caregivers and second family at Fairway Village, for whom his family will always be grateful.

Don’s life will be celebrated privately by his family.