Ernest B. “Bob” Coplen Jr.
1927-2016
Ernest B. Coplen, Jr. (known as Bob), 89, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 with family by his bedside. Bob was born February 25, 1927 in Greenville, TX to Ernest Brown Coplen and Johnie Bell Coplen. He had one sister, Marjorie.
Bob grew up in Dallas, TX and attended Forest Avenue High School and Southern Methodist University after being in the Navy.
In 1946 Bob married the “love of his life” and high school sweetheart, Bobbie Jo Tennison. Bob and Bobbie had 2 children, Rebecca Ann and Bruce Alan.
After college, Bob was employed by Texas Instruments for 40 years as an engineering manager. Bob’s last assignment for TI was in Denton, TX as site manager.
Bob participated in charitable and civic organizations and served on numerous city boards. However, his faith and love for God and his church was most important. In 1988, he was ordained a deacon at Southmont Baptist Church in Denton, TX.
In 2000, Bob and Bobbie retired to Edmond, OK. He was an active member at Quail Springs Baptist Church – serving as deacon, church treasurer, finance committee, building committee and member of JOY Sunday School Class.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and sister. Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bobbie Jo, his children and spouses; Rebecca and Robert Gourley of Edmond and Bruce and Julie Coplen of Houston. Five grandchildren; Cynthia Hogue, Melissa Wade, Jennifer Carter, Matthew Coplen and Bradley Coplen. 8 great-grandchildren; Gavin, Daniel, and Nathan Hogue; Henry, Charles, and Caroline Wade and Elizabeth and Mitchell Carter; niece, Jan Cox and nephew, Charles Rudolph.
Viewing will be held Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home Edmond, OK. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 14, 2016 at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Quail Springs Baptist Church Building Fund.