Thomas J. Copher, age 56 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis following a brief cancer diagnosis.  He was born July 24, 1961 in Elwood, the son of Charles J. "Chuck" and Roberta "Bobbi" (Hoover) Copher.  Tom was a 1979 graduate of Elwood Community High School, and later attended Vincennes University.  Tom currently worked for H.D.P Corporation (a division of Keter of North America) in Alexandria where he was a machine operator for several years.  He also formerly owned and operated the First Down Sports Bar in Elwood and worked as an assistant at his parent's business, Copher & Fesler Funeral Home in Elwood.  Tom married Debbie Twiford on May 4, 2007, and they spent a total of 28 years together.  Tom was a former member of East Main Street Christian Church where he was baptized as a child.  He enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, and listening to hard rock music.  He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Wolverines.  Tom was a very caring person, and was instrumental in caring for his aging parents prior to their passing.  He will be greatly missed by his family and close friends.

Tom's family includes his wife, Debbie Copher of Elwood; sister, Jane Copher; best friend, Ed "Butch" Leight; beloved dog, "Charlie"; father and mother-in-law, William and Nancy Twiford; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale Twiford, Bobbye Twiford, Ed Triford, and Lisa Twiford; and several extended family members.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, J. Everett and Dolly (Fesler) Copher; maternal grandparents, Russell & Dolly (Parish) Hoover; and many aunts and uncles.

A memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 6 PM on Wednesday prior to the memorial service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Burial of Tom's ashes will take place in the Copher family plot at the Elwood City Cemetery later in the week.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.