Elmer Louis “Boots” Cope Jr., 96, of Palmyra, passed away on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Patricia J. (Long) Cope. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 20.
Born in St. Louis, MO, on Oct. 19, 1929, he was the son of the late Elmer L. and Thelma E. (Harris) Cope. Elmer graduated from Kirkwood High School with the Class of 1948. He joined the Air Force and then transferred to the Air National Guard. He worked various jobs during his life. Elmer had innate mechanical skills and could fix anything. He did a wonderful job fixing up and refinishing old furniture acquired at auctions (or from chicken coops). He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and doing jigsaw puzzles. It was his treat to make peanut brittle as well as chocolate-covered peanut butter crackers to give as Christmas gifts to family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Timothy Louis Cope, and his wife, Katherine “Kacy,” of Palmyra; daughter, Linda Jean Hepburn, of Palmyra; and grandchildren, Edan Louis Cope and Holly Jean Hepburn. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary E. McGrath.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Jonestown. There will be a viewing from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elmer may be made to the Lebanon Rescue Mission, 1223 Bittner Blvd., Lebanon, PA 17046, or Hershey Presbyterian Church, 1521 Sand Hill Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
