John H. "Dr. Cope" Copenhaver

John Harrison Copenhaver was born on May 16, 1934 near Osceola, St Claire County, MO.

At the age of twelve, his mother, Sarah Mollie Crow-Copenhaver and stepfather Jay O. Aultman moved to Lincoln, NE. John attended Havelock Jr. High and Lincoln Northeast High School, graduating with the class of 1952.

John married Jacqueline James on June 10, 1956. They had three children: Ann Savena Cooke, James Jay Copenhaver and Eric Conrad Copenhaver. His granddaughters are Jacqueline Ann and Jessica Grace Cooke.

Preceded in death by his wife (June 20, 1980), his parents; Sarah and John Wesley Copenhaver and in-laws Alvena Widga and Lawrence Thomas James.

On the same day he was married, John graduated from UNL with a B.S. in Chemistry and received a U.S. Army Officer’s commission. Captain Copenhaver’s regular duty was with the 701st Ordnance, Battalion, First Infantry Division, Fort Riley KS from 1956-1958. John was then on active reserve for six years.

John went on to gain a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Analytical Organic Chemistry from Kansas State University in 1963. After, he became a Full Professor of Biochemistry and Research Professor of Psychiatry at UNMC. He retired in 1995.

In his retirement, John enjoyed competitive cribbage, Husker football, golf, genealogy and the company of his beloved Boston Terriers.

Service 10:00 AM Friday (10/4/2024) with visitation one hour prior at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N. 108th St. Omaha, Nebraska; Burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park Omaha, Nebraska.

Memorials, in John's name, to the Nebraska Humane Society.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel - 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com