Leo Wayne Cope

Leo Wayne Cope of Cashmere passed away peacefully at his home on March 21, 2018 surrounded by his family. Leo was born in Clinton Oklahoma on May 23, 1922 to parents Wayne & Carrie Cope (Farmer). Leo moved with his family to Cashmere in 1929 when he was seven years old. He has been in Cashmere for 89 years where he attended school, married and raised his family, ran a local business and was a proud orchardist. Leo graduated from Cashmere High school in 1941. He was an accomplished athlete who loved his days playing football with buddies “BIG STU”, Bink Beamer, John Stoltenberg and Coach Pete Peterson. He has remained a loyal Cashmere Bulldog supporter and was an avid Seahawks fan through good and bad times as well.
He worked many jobs in his early days including the Union Service Station, Schmitten’s Lumber Mill and Boeing.
Leo was a WWII veteran joining the Navy In 1942. He was stationed in San Diego as an aviation radio mechanic and attended Northwestern University for further training. He eventually became a U.S. Navy Frogman which was one of the first elite seal team type military programs. He took part in several secret missions in Hawaii and Japan.
Leo married Margie Richardson on Jan. 23, 1943. They made their home in the Cashmere valley and had two beautiful daughters; Claudia & Patricia who were the lights of his life. Leo and Margie were well known for their generous entertaining and for their love of dancing.
Leo purchased and operated the Mobil Service Station in Cashmere for many years. He also farmed 100 acres of apples and pears in Cashmere and Bridgeport.
Leo loved leisure time with his family and friends at Lake Chelan and Lake Wenatchee where they enjoyed waterskiing, horseback riding, camping, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. Leo was remembered for taking his children and grandchildren on many trips to Hawaii and Reno. He loved working on his WWII Willy’s Jeep and spending time with family and friends.
On Nov. 15, 1995 Leo married Charlotte Kuhlmeyer and spent his retirement days with Charlotte at their Lake Chelan property in Watsons Resort.
Leo was a member of the Cashmere United Methodist Church.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents Wayne & Carrie Cope, wife Margie Cope, brothers Gene and Dale Cope.
Leo is survived by his wife Charlotte, daughters Claudia Spanjer of Cashmere,  Washington & Patricia Coley (Jim) Seattle  Washington. Leo had five grandchildren: Ric Spanjer (Rachel) Monitor,  Washington., Dave Spanjer (Julie) Chelan  Washington., Latifa Coley (Derrick) Waterville,  Washington., James Coley Seattle  Washington, and Jamilah Emerson (Doug) Kent WA. Leo has over 20 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cashmere Riverside Center April 7th 2018 at 1pm with a reception to follow.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion or the Cashmere Booster Club at PO Box 45 Cashmere, Wa. 98815
Wards Funeral Chapel is caring for the arrangements.