Charles Howell Kopke

Charles was born on July 7, 1922 to Herbert Henry and Jennie Howell Kopke, in Great Bend, Kansas. His father owned and operated individual grocery stores in Hoisington, Great Bend, Kingman, St. John, Wichita and Coldwater, Kansas. In addition to attending schools in each of these towns, Charles attended a one-room school for three years while his family lived on a farm near Heizer, Kansas.

Charles served honorably for three years in the U.S. Army Corps as a radar technician. Before, and later after the war, he pursued three majors while attending Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas; Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia; Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the University of Kansas in Lawrence. His sister, Ada Louise, had delayed her graduation so they could attend KU together upon his return from the war. They graduated in 1947.

Charles married the love of his life, Verda Rigas, on Valentine’s Day in 1954. They were wed in Kansas City, Missouri.

Charles worked for Commerce Bank for forty years, heading the Transit Department, Real Estate Loan Department, and as a loan officer in the Commercial Loan Department. At the time of his retirement, in 1986, he was Senior Vice-President and Manager of the branch office at 89th and State Line.

Charles was a member of Shriners International, Scottish Rite Freemasonry, S.J. 32nd degree, Valley of KC Orient of Missouri, Grand Lodge A.F. and A.M. (Ivanhoe).

Extensive volunteer service was a very significant and personally meaningful part of Charles’ life. He served as an officer and board member for several organizations, including service as treasurer of the Ozanam Home, and board member of Truman Medical Center, the Palestine Economic Development Corporation, Research Medical Center, Baker University, American Diabetes Research Foundation, Epilepsy Research Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Charles served as president of both the Kansas City and Missouri affiliates of the ADA and received many awards in recognition of his service. The ADA created the ‘Charles H. Kopke Medal for Distinguished Service’ which is presented each year to the association’s national treasurer.

In 2004, he was admitted to Southwestern College’s Business Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Verda established teaching awards for the notable teachers at both Baker University and Southwestern College. In 2010, Baker University awarded Charles an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and was made an Honorary Alum in 2015 in recognition of his service and support to Baker. He remained dedicated to Baker and its mission throughout his life.

In light of all of these accomplishments, it would be a mistake not to emphasize Charles’ dedication to a lifelong stewardship of Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln’s role in changing the course of this country at a critical time in the history of our country and his ardent interest in the Civil War. The two car garage in Charles’ home was converted into a huge library and office. Every inch of wall space was filled with books about many subjects, but especially about Lincoln and the Civil War. Charles was a member of the Civil War Roundtable; and during his lifetime, he gifted many valuable, historic books to several educational institutions in the area.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife Verda, and his sister, Ada Louise Wiedemann. He is survived by a brother, Earl Eugene Kopke and his wife, Betty, of Raymore, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be gratefully received by Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006; or Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas 66157. A service is planned for Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:30am. Those friends who wish to gather in conversation and remembrance of Charles, prior to the service, may do so starting at 9:00 am at Mount Moriah Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home located at 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. Dr. Steve Langhofer will preside.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.