Howard Shoope passed from this life into his heavenly life Thursday morning of September 3rd, 2026 at home with family by his side. He was born July 1, 1942 at Pine Mt Settlement Hospital to parents Aaron and Eva Howard Shoope. 

  He was a 1960 graduate of Harlan High School, played basketball and coached Jr high boys and upon graduation he went on to play for Asbury Collage. In 1963 he entered the US Air Force during the Vietnam War where he spent four years. Three of those were in Bittburg, Germany.  After completion of his service commitment returned to Harlan KY where he attended Southeast Community college then entered the work force for US Steel Mining Co later Arch Minerals, then returning as an associate professor at Southeast Community College teaching computer technology and repair. He loved coaching children, he started while in high school and later coached many generations of players in basketball,  little league and senior league baseball. Howard loved the Lord first, family and country.  He was proud to serve in the Harlan Honor Guard.  

  He leaves behind the love of his life Janie Melzoni Shoope, Ronnie Shoope Baxter, Ky and Michael and Greta Shoope Maynardville, Tn. Four grandchildren, Cody and Sarah Shoope, White House, Tn  Reece and Ashtyn Edmondson Fayetteville, NC. Isaiah and Jessica Shoope, Saratoga Springs, Ny. Lexie Shoope and Chris Sante Fee, NM. Three great grandchildren, Jackson, Harrison and EllieRae Shoope;  brothers, Don Shoope, Berea, Ky. David and Debby Shoope Williamsburg, Ky brother-in-law Wayne Hensley.  Many special nieces and nephews.  

  He is proceeded in death besides his parents, a special Father and Mother-in-law Rev Bill and Rachel Melzoni, Sister Carol Shoope Hensley, Sister-in-law Gail Shoope, Sister-in-law Brenda Harrison, Brother-in-law Merrell Harrison, Brother and sister-in-law Roger and Kaye Hagy Blanton.

  Funeral service will be Tuesday evening September 8th, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Anderson-Laws and Jones Funeral Home, 114 S. 3rd Street, Harlan, KY 40831.

  Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm in the chapel at Anderson Laws & Jones funeral Home with Rev. Paul White & Rev. Arnold Martin officiating. Military rights will be performed by the Harlan Honor Guard following the funeral at the funeral home.

  Private burial will be in the Resthaven Cemetery, Keith, KY

  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Harlan Honor Guard PO Box 704 Baxter, Ky 40806 or Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (Melzoni Scholarship Fund) 300 Clear Creek Road, Pineville, Ky 40977 in memory of Howard Shoope.

  Please feel free to leave a condolence or memory at www.aljfh.com

  Howard Shoope and his family are in the care of the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.