Merle graduated from Seymour High School in 1953 and later attended Abilene Christian College, where he met Lexa Dell Brown of Mason. After serving two years in the U.S. Army—18 months of which he spent in Honolulu, enjoying Waikiki Beach and discovering a love for Asian food—Merle and Lexa were united in marriage in 1959. He often joked that he was in better shape before entering the Army than when he left it, a reflection of his good humor and new friend, Asian food.

Merle and Lexa welcomed three children: LeAnn, Janna (deceased), and Robert. Tragically, Lexa passed away shortly after Robert’s birth, leaving Merle widowed at just 33 years old. In 1971, he found love again and married Doris Lanell Hunt Horner of Brownwood. Together, they blended their families, adding three sons—Bryan, Kenny, and Steve Horn-er. Merle and Doris later welcomed one more son, Michael Thomas Cope, and made their life in northeastern Mason County.

Merle constructed his first home in 1960 and lived there for 65 years. Throughout his career in Mason County, he built custom homes and remodeled many others. One of his projects was the Hill Country Inn, completed in 1968, which he owned with various partners until selling it to family in 1997. Although he officially retired from homebuilding in 1996 after his youngest son graduated from college, he joyfully came out of retirement in 2003 to build the parsonage for his beloved Mason Church of Christ. He spent his retirement years raising cattle, traveling with Doris, reading books, working on and around his lake home, and chasing grandkids going to their many events.

Merle was a friend to all and a stranger to none. He lived by the motto, “It costs nothing to speak and be friendly,” and he embodied it every day. His warm heart and genuine kindness drew people to him from all walks of life. He was always ready to help anyone in need. Even in his final months at Knopp #1 in Fredericksburg, he remained surrounded by visitors, sharing stories and laughter up until his last day. Merle was truly one of a kind, and he was loved deeply for the way he loved others.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Alma Cope; his sister, Polly Sue Emsoff; his daughter, Janna; his first wife, Lexa; his daughter-in-law, Beth Horner; and Doris, his wife of 52 years.

He is survived by his six children, Bryan Horner (Babbie), Kenny Horner (Kathy), Steve Horner (Liz), LeAnn Fleming (Johnny), Robert Cope (Kelli), Michael Cope (Leslie), He also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren— Beau Horner (Tash), Hayley Rodgers (Adam), Brady Horner (Briana), Kassi Horner, Kammi Green (Warren), Karri Vargas (Michael), Kolby Horner (Katelyn), Josh Horner (Rhonda), Brittney Knowles (Nick), Colt Fleming (Mariza), Lex Fleming (Katie), Jessi Cope (Nolan), Jody Cope, Alexandra Cope, and Eliza Cope—along with twenty-five great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

Merle had a deep and unwavering passion for God and family. As the patriarch of a large and loving family, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and generosity that will live on through the numerous lives he touched.

Visitation with the family was held on Sunday evening, March 08, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service was held on Monday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mason Funeral Home chapel. Interment followed in the Gooch Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome. net.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.