Donnie Lee Copeland, of Chrisney, died on Friday, November 11, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Donnie was born and raised in Chandler. He was a proud lifetime member of Local 104 out of ALCOA.
Preceding Donnie in death were his parents, Stormy Copeland and Eula Kirksey, and his beloved grandson, Christopher McDaniel.
He left numerous friends and family to miss him including his loving wife, Joyce, of 34 years; his siblings, Shirley (Roy Gene) McDaniel of Newburgh and Patty Watson of Chandler; children, Carol McDaniel of Evansville, Kenny Copeland of Evansville, Kevin (Trish) Copeland of Cannelton, Troy Copeland, Dale, Deanna McFall of Rockport, Dave Major of Evansville, Sarah (Vilay) Saysoukha, Murfreesboro, TN, and their foreign exchange student, Lucia Hrnciarova, of Bratislava, Slovakia who still calls Donnie and Joyce Mom and Dad.
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Ashley (David) Roby, Heather McDaniel, Emily McDaniel, Jacob Copeland, Cassandra Parker, Travis McFall, Josh Copeland, Luke Copeland and Wilson Wortham; great-grandchildren, Christopher Roby, Alexandra Roby, Abigail Roby, Allie Parker and Kailee Parker. He had many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and always said he was their favorite Uncle.
He also leaves his best friend, Bob and wife Ruth Hodges who flew in from Florida when there was a risk of hurricane to say goodbye to his old friend and tell stories one last time. He leaves his Union friends who depended on him when he was a union steward and then Vice President. He fought tooth and nail for union values. He even had an extremely short visit to the Vanderburgh County jail during a union strike. He leaves all of his fishing buddies including Norby and Bruce. Norby was the captain of the boat but everyone knew Donnie was in charge. He also leaves his best friend, Lucky Lady, who misses him so much. Their favorite thing to do was going “bye bye “ in Donnie’s red truck. That truck is covered with white Lucky fur inside.
Donnie didn’t want to mention memberships to different organizations because he said that was not important. He would allow a mention of being a founding member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club.
How do you describe Donnie? Husband, Father, Grandfather, friend, fisherman (catcherman), stock car driver, advocate, lover of animals, wood chucker (he loved to chuck wood), and of course, story teller. How wonderful to hear all of Donnie’s stories. I’m sure he’s telling some big ones now, especially fishing stories. He was proud to be a lifelong Democrat. This year was the first election he ever missed. One more thing, he loved a good cold beer. Have a toast for him because that’s what he would want.
There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, November 19, at his beloved union hall Local 104, 3966 Redbrush Road in Newburgh. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. with the service at 2 p.m. There will be a private graveside service at a later date. Come prepared to share Donnie Copeland stories because you know he would love it.
Floral tributes may be sent to Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport. Memorial contributions may be made to Spencer County, It Takes A Village. Friends may send a condolence to the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
