Robert "Bob" A. Koppen

Robert (Bob) A. Koppen was a proud member of "the greatest generation." Bob was born on 9-17-25, in Kansas City, Missouri, the only son of Oscar William and Grace Kathryn (Lafferty) Koppen. In 1932, Bob, his sisters, Justine, and Carol, along with their mother moved to Miami. His father remained in Missouri to provide for his family while they settled in Miami. Bob was a student at Miami Senior High, but enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force before completing high school. He flew several missions as a B-17 tail gunner, flying out of Mendlesham, England. On his 11th mission his plane was involved in a mid-air collision over Mandres, France. He was the sole survivor of the collision. Artifacts from the collision are on display at the National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force, in Pooler, Ga. Bob returned to Miami on 5-14-45, and on 5-25-45, married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Garwood. Betty and Bob remained husband and wife, until the death of Betty on 2-16-21. Bob and Betty raised three children (Daniel, Donna, and Nancy) in Miami, Florida. While raising a family, Bob earned his GED certificate, completed his undergraduate courses, and graduated from the University of Miami Law School on 6-9-50. In 1952 Bob, and his law school classmate, Herbert (Herb) Watkins, Jr. formed the law partnership of Koppen & Watkins. Bob and Herb first practiced in Little River and then in Miami Shores. Bob and Herb continued their partnership for several decades, during which time they participated in the exceptional growth of Miami. Bob and Betty remained residents of Miami Shores until the mid-90's at which time they relocated to Delray Beach. In 2006, Bob and Betty relocated to Melbourne, Florida. Their final residence was at Indian River Colony Club (IRCC), in Viera, Florida. Many of the residents at IRCC were former members of the U.S. armed forces, which fostered a comradery which they enjoyed during their final years. Bob is survived by his two children: Robert Daniel, and his wife Karen; and Donna Louise, and her husband Warren. Wife, Betty Jane Koppen, and daughter, Nancy Jean Hass, both predeceased Bob. Bob is the grandfather of Kimberly Chase, Robert Warren Wilson (spouse, Malika), Brian Daniel Koppen, and Amy Marie (Koppen) Henry (spouse Parker). His great-grandchildren are Sydney Chase, Kyle Chase, Madina Wilson and Ryder Henry; all of whom survive Bob. A viewing will be held at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, 5400 Village Dr., Viera, Florida 32955, on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM. A service will also be conducted on November-3, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM. You may sign Bob's guest book at www.Beckman-williamson.com.