John Henry Cope

John Henry Cope (Franks), age 64 of Gatesville, passed away on April 15, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20 at Scott’s Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery.

John was born on February 24, 1962, in Gatesville, to the late Truman James Cope and Martha Jo Franks. John attended school in Gatesville before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business from Stephen F. Austin University. John went to work at Kalyn Siebert Trailers where he served as the advertising manager for nine years. He accomplished his degree and his career as a quadriplegic after a swimming accident at age 16 in 1978.

John had a passion for life. He loved being outdoors, especially around water. You could always find him outside on a sunny day with his music playing through his headphones. John resided at Hillside Medical Lodge for the past twenty-three or so years where he had a close relationship with many of the employees. Despite his challenges, John had big ideas and dreams and had an entrepreneur’s spirit. He always found the good in life and expressed he was very blessed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; the father who raised him, Richard Gayle Franks; and brother, Robert Paul Cope (Franks).

John is survived by his siblings, Robert Newton and wife, Lynn, Donna Jo Zuniga and husband, Ray, Truman James Cope (Franks) and wife Donna Marie, and Paula Kathleen Cope (Franks), and numerous nieces and nephews.