OBITUARY: Bradley Eugene Cope

Bradley Eugene Cope was born on Jan. 23, 1969, in Springfield, Missouri to Steve and Yvonne (Jennings) Cope. He passed away on Feb. 14, 2026, in Houston, Missouri, at the age of 57. 

Brad was baptized at the age of 11 at First Baptist Church of Houston. He went to Houston High School and graduated with the class of 1987. After high school, medical school was his goal, however, he decided doctors do not get enough sleep and changed directions. He was a self-taught, lifelong student, which furthered his career in cybersecurity. It included helping all his family and friends with their technological woes. Brad had a special relationship with his Papaw Lavern and had his Mamaw Cope wrapped around his little finger. 

He had a great love for hunting, trapping, woodworking, gardening and cooking. But, most of all, he loved being a dad to all his “back porch kids.” They all knew if they had any issues, problems or just needed a shoulder to lean on, Brad would be there. 

Brad is survived by his love, Betty Emery; parents, Steve and Yvonne Cope; daughter, Brittany Bennington (Blake); siblings, Brian Cope (Jennifer) and Lori Cope; nieces and nephews, Savannah (Gabriel) Foster, Nick Cope, Stacy Mortenson and Brayden Mortenson; grandson, Maverick Bennington; bonus kids, Amanda Weybright (David), Shirley Dunn (Kevin) and Samantha Parle (Dan); bonus grandkids, Kennedy and Abby Weybright, Oliver Dunn, and Jaxtyn and Kinsleigh Parle; special back porch kids, Donald and Courtney Nowlin; and back porch grandkid, Allison Nowlin. 

He is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; an aunt and uncle; and nephew, Matthew Cope. 

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, with a funeral beginning at 11 a.m. at the Evans Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.