Funeral Services for Steve Gene Cope, Age 77 of Houston, Missouri will be held on Monday, May 11th, 2026 at The Evans Funeral Home, Houston, Missouri, beginning at 11:00 AM. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in The Ozark Cemetery, Houston, Missouri.
Steve Gene Cope was born July 28, 1948, in Hartville, Missouri to parents Lavern Cope and Irene Geneva (McCulley) Cope. He departed this life May 4, 2026, in his home. He was 77 years, 9 months, and 7 days old. Steve was joined in marriage with Yvonne (Jennings) Cope on August 16, 1968. To this union three children were born; Bradley Eugene, Brian Lavern, and Lori Ellen; six grandchildren; Matthew Steven, Nicholas (Red) Bradley, Savannah Allynn, Brittany Nichole, Stacy McRay, and Brayden Zane; three great-grandchildren; Maverick, Meadow, and Berkleigh.
Steve was drafted into the army in 1969. Early in his career he advanced to non-commissioned officer and sent to Vietnam with the 101st. His military career spanned 24 years. The last 8 years of his career were spent with the 95th division at Ft. Leonard Wood in Retention and recruitment. He formed many lasting friendships during this time, and their second love was riding motorcycles. There was an unspoken bond between this group of friends. They always had each other’s back.
During his 25 years of managing/owning a real estate business, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and continued his education in communications. Steve’s interests were many, including farming and cattle but one of his true loves was the outdoors. He shared this passion with his sons and grandchildren. He also had lifelong friends that shared this same passion. Larry Kemper and Howard Hawkins shared many campfires and hunting and fishing adventures over the years.
Steve has left a big footprint in the lives of many friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; son Brian (Jennifer) Cope; daughter Lori Mortenson; grandchildren, Red Cope, Savannah (Gabriel) Foster, Brittany (Blake) Bennington, Stacy Mortenson, and Brayden Mortenson; great grandchildren, Maverick Bennington and Meadow and Berkleigh Foster; siblings, Sharon Aldridge, Janice Rader, and Keith Cope. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Lavern; his brother, Mike; his son, Brad; and his grandson Matthew.
