Mr. Steve E. Coplen, age 87, of Patriot, Indiana, entered this life on January 25, 1939 in Talma, Indiana. He was the loving son of Artimus “Bill” F. and Helen N. (Sanner) Coplen. He was raised in Talma, Indiana and was a 1957 graduate of Talma High School, where he excelled on the basketball court. From an early age, Steve learned the value of hard work while helping his father at the family sawmill in Talma, Indiana. Following high school, Steve continued his education at International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he received his associate’s degree in business, and later received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana. On December 26, 1960, Steve was united in marriage to Sharon Kaye Elliott in Rochester, Indiana. This happy union of over 66 years was blessed with a daughter, Melody and two sons, Barry and Mark. In 1961, Steve was inducted into the United States Army National Guard, with the 151st Airborne Division. He faithfully served his country and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5th Class in 1967. From 1961 until 1976, he was employed with Royal Rubber Company in South Bend, Indiana, where he served in several capacities, including office manager, purchasing agent, and Sales Manager. In 1976, He began his career in sales with Sur-Seal in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. Throughout their life together, Steve and his family made their homes in South Bend, Indiana, and Florence, Kentucky, before settling in Patriot, Indiana, in 1987, where they found their forever home. He served on the finance committee and was a former member of Southlawn United Methodist Church in South Bend, Indiana. Since 1960, Steve was a faithful member of the Switzerland Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Indiana and Orak Shrine in Michigan City, Indiana. He was also a member of the Concord Community Church in Patriot, Indiana, Bennington Order of Eastern Star Chapter #407, and the Rising Sun American Legion Post #59. Steve enjoyed boating, traveling, and relaxing in front of the television and keeping up with his favorite sports teams. He was a devoted Indiana University fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Hoosiers. His loyalty also extended to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Notre Dame football. Whether it was basketball, baseball, or football season, Steve always had a team to root for and a game to watch. Above all, Steve cherished the memories he built with his family. Steve passed away at 9:01 p.m., Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Swiss Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Vevay, Indiana.
Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon Kaye (Elliott) Coplen of Patriot, IN; his daughter, Melody Kitson of Patriot, IN; his son, Mark Coplen and his wife, Robin of Patriot, IN; his daughter-in-law, Jackie Tolson of Warsaw, KY; his grandchildren, Brandon Coplen (Jessica), Nicole Kitson, Derek Andrews (Miranda), Cortney Rose (Payton), Erica Clark (Patrick), Steven Coplen (Heather), Jessi Coplen (Abbi), and Devon Taylor (Stacy); his great-grandchildren, Mandyann Taylor, Aiden Taylor, Brady Coplen, Addie Coplen, Scarlett Rose, Hunter Merida, Joey Merida, Dylan Hemingway, Austin Hemingway, Aby Hemingway, and Payton Smith; his brother, Dave Coplen of South Bend, IN; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Artimus “Bill” F. Coplen, died September 15, 2002; his mother, Helen N. (Sanner) Coplen, died October 28, 1999; his son, Barry Lee Coplen, died February 17, 1993; his infant sister, Judy Dell Coplen, died June 21, 1950; his son-in-law, Robert Paul “Bob” Kitson, died December 25, 2025; his sister-in-law, Jo Anne (Lowry) Coplen, died August 13, 2025; and his brother-in-law, Larry Elliott, died August 5, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Concord Community Church, 7578 Concord Road, Patriot, Indiana 47038.
Masonic and Eastern Star Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Concord Community Church, 7578 Concord Road, Patriot, Indiana 47038. Full military rites will be conducted by the Honor Guard of the Rising Sun American Legion Post #59 at the Concord Community Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM or Concord Community Church. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com