Robert Cupp *
Robert L. (Bob) Cupp went home to the Lord at 12:14 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
He was born in Kokomo on Dec. 2, 1935, to John O. and Florence B. (Couch) Cupp. On Oct. 21, 1989, he married his soul mate, Phyllis Messersmith Cupp.
Bob graduated from Kokomo High School in 1953. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and later a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He retired from Delco Electronics division of General Motors in 1993, working his way through the ranks of Superintendent of Quality Control.
Bob had a strong work ethic, working 73 years of his life. He started with a paper route at 13, and continued working through high school, college and even after retirement. He co-managed Delco Park, worked as a substitute teacher, taught at Indiana Wesleyan University and was also employed at Staples Office Supplies. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.
Being with his children and serving the community were important to Bob. He and his children were actively involved in Indian Guides and Indian Princes. He also spent time working with Junior Achievement in Kokomo. Bob also served on the Western School Board and was a member of the Delco Alumni Club, where he served time as president for both. Bob was an avid runner for over 40 years, and was a charter member of Kokomo Road Runners. Above all, Bob loved the Lord Jesus Christ and attending First Nazarene of Kokomo with Phyllis and singing in the Celebration Choir.
When Bob married Phyllis, he told her, “We are going to see the world together.” They were able to do this, traveling both in the U.S. and abroad, also taking cruises, road and bus trips.
Bob also enjoyed playing golf until his later years. He loved his children, stepchildren, and step-grandchildren, and was always there to support them.
Bob is survived by wife, Phyllis; children, Jeff (Kris) Cupp, Debra Jaramillo and Cathy (Chris) Coffey; stepchildren, Terry (Stephanie) Shockey, Greg Shockey, Beth (Phil) Leckron; step-grandchildren, Tiffany Randol, Brayten (Sarah Hill) Shockey, Madelyn Shockey, Alex Leckron, Luke Leckron and Chloe (Zack Hargreaves) Leckron; stepgreat-grandchildren, Bailey Randol, Isabelle Randol and Ivie Shockey; great-great-granddaughter, Tinsley Lugar.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John Cupp and David Cupp; sister, Aretha Cupp; stepson, Steven Shockey; and stepgranddaughter, Carlee Leckron.
Bob has come to the end of his journey on earth with the opportunity to enjoy loving the Lord, his family, stepfamily and the love of his life, Phyllis.
Funeral services celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at One Church, Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo, with Pastor Travis Greene officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to One Church, Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN 46902. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Published on June 9, 2023; Kokomo Tribune