Robert L. Coplen, 88, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018 in Fort Wayne. Mr. Coplen was born on August 14, 1929 in Akron, Indiana to Lee V. and Cora (Zimmerman) Coplen. He graduated from Gilead High School in Macy, Indiana. Mr. Coplen served his country honorably during the Korean War with the United States Army. He then continued his education at Tri-State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting. From 1957-1986, Robert worked for Mutual Security Life Insurance Company, becoming Vice President of Underwriting. From 1977-2016, he owned and operated Coplen's Coleman Camper Center and was present at the business most days even after his “retirement.” He was a member of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren. Robert was an avid I.U. sports and Chicago Cubs fan. He loved being outdoors, fishing, watching sunsets and sunrises, and gardening. Robert enjoyed traveling, including numerous camping trips with his family in the 1960’s and 1970’s and ocean cruises and beach vacations later in life. He loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren. Surviving are his spouse Muriel Zisk; Sons, David A. (Emma) Coplen of Los Angeles, CA, Douglas E. (Shari) Coplen of Saint Louis, MO, Paul S. (Cheryl) Coplen of Fort Wayne, IN and Patrick E. (Wendy) Coplen of Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Colin Coplen, Phillip Coplen, Preston Coplen, Branden Coplen, Kayonni Coplen, and Isaiah Coplen; Brother, Ralph Coplen of Wynona Lake, IN; and Sister, Ruth Chandler of Indianapolis, IN. Robert was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy M. Coplen, parents, brothers, Wayne Coplen, Charles Coplen, Dean Coplen, Dale Coplen, and sister, June Brown. Memorial service is 12:00 pm, August 11, 2018 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren, 2810 Beacon St. with calling one-hour prior from 11:00am-12:00pm with Pastor Brian Flory officiating. Calling at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825, Friday, August 10, 2018, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren or to the Robert and Dorothy Coplen Memorial Fund (Checks should be made out to Beacon Heights Church with designation on the memo line). To sign the online guest book, go to www.domccombandsons.com
