Robert George Copes

A native and resident of Baton Rouge, Bob passed away at his home Saturday, May 29, 2010, at the age of 87. He was a retired manager of employee relations for Ethyl Corp., with 34 years of service. He was an ardent golfer and during his lifetime he rode motorcycles, flew light aircraft and assaulted a multitude of golf courses. He was employed by the U.S. Engineer Department in Trinidad, British West Indies, and later served in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Tuesday, June 1, from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Interment in Roselawn Cemetery. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Fran Laborde Copes; brother, William H. Copes; daughter, Debby, husband Michael Rachlis and their children, Linus and Leila; son, Robert G. Copes Jr., wife Jan and their children, Matthew and Jennifer; brother-in-law, H.L. Burkholder Jr.; stepson, Bill Bass, wife Rachel, and their children, Joshua, Charity, Nathaniel and Grace; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Cunningham; and a number of very dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, John Mixon Copes; father, Robert Southey Copes; mother, Azel Mixon Copes; first wife, Jeanne Addicks Copes; and sister, Ann Copes Burkholder. Pallbearers will be Bill Bass, Carter Featherston, John Maxwell and J.A. Gyan. We are grateful for the care provided by Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.