Rev. James L. Hape, 77, of Fort Branch, IN, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born to the late Everett and Georgia (Whitley) Hape on June 18th, 1930 in Evansville, IN.

He ministered at the Rosedale Southern Baptist Church in Fort Branch, what is now the Fort Branch Southern Baptist Church, he retired after 35 years of devotion and service. Rev. Hape was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of American Legion in Haubstadt, IN.

He is survived by his wife Betty (Philpot) Hape and 3 children and their spouses, Steve (Debbie) Hape of Memphis TN., Cindy (Bill) Smith of Fort Branch, IN., and Jim Hape of Terre Haute, IN, 1 sister Marilyn (Jim) Berry of Edwardsville, IL. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Nathan (Mary) Smith, Kayla (Jeremy) Aydt, and Shelby Smith, and 1 great grandchild Maliyah Smith.

Services will be on Thursday, Oct. 25th at 11:00 A.M. at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch, IN., the Reverend Robert Nall will officiate, burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch, IN.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, Oct. 24th, 2007 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.