Jack C. Copeman, Jr.

Jack Cornelius Copeman Jr., "Cope," son of the late Jack C. and Zelda Boyles Copeman, died Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the age of 91. Cope was predeceased by his wives Jane Dwiggins Copeman and Anne Freeman Copeman; son, Buck Freeman Jr.; and sisters Betty Craig and Dell Moody. A 1952 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a B.S in Civil Engineering, Cope remained involved with the University and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity throughout his life. After a brief career with a railroad, Cope moved to Hot Springs and was employed by Dierks Forests. In 1969, along with colleagues Roy Murphy, L.C. Gaither and Larry Stephens, he co-founded Mid-South Engineering: consultants in the forest, pulp and paper industry. Cope retired in 2005 from the company. Cope enjoyed the lake, fishing and golf. He was a proud Charter Member of LOCA, the Lake Ouachita Camping Association, as well as, Garvan Gardens. Surviving Cope are his dog, "Brown;" his daughters Jamie Freeman Lax (Alan) of Hot Springs and Katherine Freeman (Marilyn Gardner) of Sante Fe, NM; nieces Deborah Erickson of Solano Beach, CA and Brenda Jacoby of Houston, TX; grandchildren Kate Fox, Anne Fox and Aaron Lax (Alicia); great grandchildren Damian Berry and Nevaeh Lax; his church family at First United Methodist; and also the beautiful people whose care allowed both him and Anne dignity, love, and peace during their transition - Jenny Olson, Linda Middleton, Annie Seidel, Milagros Rosa and Tabitha Gonzalez. A family memorial service will be held at 2 pm Thursday, October 8, 2020 in the Gross Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901(fumchs.com) or Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913 (garvangardens.org). Online condolences and memory sharing available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com