Kevin J. Stropes, 50, Morgantown, passed away suddenly and much too early in life on Monday evening, Jan. 21, 2013, at Indiana University Health Morgan Hospital in Martinsville. Kevin was a man of strong convictions with strong family values. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him and will never be forgotten.

Kevin was born in Franklin on Sept. 10, 1962, to parents Kim P. and Carolyn Sue (Aldrich) Stropes. He was a 1980 graduate of Franklin Community High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration from Indiana State University in 1984. Kevin married his loving wife, Dena D. (Burdine) on May 9, 1987 in Greenwood. 

He worked for the past 20 years as a pipe fitter at Eli Lilly and Co. and Johnson Controls, both of Indianapolis. Kevin was a 10-year member of First Christian Church of Morgantown where he served as a deacon and assistant Sunday school superintendent. He was a former Johnson County 4-H leader and volunteered at Morgantown Community Kitchen. Kevin enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and working in his garden. He also was a fan of Indiana University basketball and cared for all animals.

Kevin leaves behind his maternal grandmother, Marilyn Aldrich of Bargersville; parents, Kim and Carolyn Sue Stropes of Bargersville; wife, Dena; children, Nicole S. Stropes of Morgantown and Bradley J. (Allison) Stropes of Franklin. He will be remembered by his siblings, Kim A. (Tami) Stropes of Shelbyville, Steven J. (Kelli) Stropes of Trafalgar, Jeff S. (Tonya) Stropes of Martinsville, Tom S. (Ali) Stropes of Fishers and Gregory S. (Valerie) Stropes of Camby.

Kevin was preceded in death by a sister, Kimberly Sue Stropes.

The Rev. Burt Brock will conduct a funeral service Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at First Christian Church of Morgantown, 2717 S. Morgantown Road. Friends can call from 2-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 at the church. Burial will be at Mt .Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions can be sent in honor of Kevin to First Christian Church of Morgantown, "Landscaping Fund", P.O. Box 306, Morgantown, IN 46160.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be made to the Stropes family at www.meredith-clark.com.