Richard "Dick" Herbert Cope, 85, of St. Clairsville, Ohio passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at his home. He was born March 18, 1938, in St. Clairsville, Ohio a son of the late Harold Duane Cope and Eleanor Neff Cope Belt.

Richard was a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He served during the Vietnam War and completed 23 years of active-duty service.

He was a 1956 graduate of Bellaire High School, competing in track and football. He attended Montana State University where he was a member of the 1956 NAIA National Championship winning football team. He was a member of the St. Clairsville American Legion Post 159, Belmont Hills Country Club. He was an avid golfer. He lived in Hawaii for 30 years and EVERYONE who knew him, knew it! But most of all, Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers, William Cope, Dr. James Cope, Jerry Cope and Charles "David" Cope; three sisters, Jean Bleth, Joann Speece and Betty Moullet.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Donahue Cope; two children, Kelly (Keith) Imada and Sherri (Thomas) Rader; five grandchildren, Brittany (Eric) Schweitzer, Matthew and Alex Rader, Michael (Alix) Imada, and Stephanie Imada; three great-grandchildren, Weston, Dean, and Grant Schweitzer; a brother, Ellis Herman (Maureen) Cope; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until time of funeral services at 1 p.m. at Toothman Funeral Home, St. Clairsville with Brother Dan Ponzani officiating. Full Military Honors conducted by the Belmont County Veterans Association. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, St.Clairsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Apostolic Church. C/O: 69741 Lee Road St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.