FRANKLIN, IN.
Donald Burl Copeland, 94 of Franklin, IN was born on June 18, 1930, to Burl Dwire Copeland and Mary Anne (McClain) Copeland in Indianapolis, Indiana, and passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, having just turned 94 years old. He had spent a wonderful Father’s Day the week before with most of his offspring. Donald was a resident of Homeview Health in Franklin, and many thanks go to the staff who provided such good care for him.
He was a 1948 graduate of Franklin Township High School in Marion County, IN.
Donald attended Rocklane Christian Church from infancy and placed his membership there in 1940. He was a member of RCC longer than anyone living, 84 years. Upon arriving in heaven he has surely heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The United States Army called Donald to duty in 1950. He qualified for Officer Candidate School and earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He served until 1953, shortly after marriage. Donald and his wife Donna wintered in Ft. Myers, Florida for 30 years.
Donald was a farmer all of his life, growing up on a farm in Marion County then farming on his own with his wife of over 60 years, Donna Lou (Rypma) Copeland in Johnson County. Farming with his John Deeres was his brand of machinery. They married June 20, 1953, and together they had and raised three children, Donald Burl Copeland, Jr. (Debra Louise) of Cisco, Illinois, Leslie Anne Willis (David) of Bargersville, Indiana, and Melissa Lou Suttles (Randy) of Franklin, Indiana.
Donald and Donna immensely enjoyed their grandchildren, Richel Anne Dillard (Tommy), Amy Melissa Locke (Dave), Leslie Anne Beeson (Kent), Joseph Donald Suttles (Shellye), Donna Joan Miller (Rob) and William Earl Suttles. They spent many happy hours riding on the lawn mower and tractors with Grandma and Grandpa.
Then along came their great-grandchildren: Megan Delaney Faris (Zach), Ethan Matthew Locke, Reese Anne Dillard, Kaden William Beeson, Isaac David Locke, Zoe Nikole Dillard, Keelan Joseph Beeson, Declan William Locke, Drake Alexander Miller, Draven James Miller, Kelton Lewis Beeson, Randal Lewis Suttles and Henry Burl Suttles.
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Donald was the oldest of five brothers: Charles Richard Copeland of Clermont, IN (Barbara), George Edgar Copeland (Anna Rose – deceased), (Kathy of Greenwood, IN), John Mahlon Copeland of Indianapolis, IN (Beverly – deceased) and Larry Bruce Copeland of Greenwood, IN (Sandy).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his grandson William and his brother George.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rocklane Christian Church Building Fund in Donald’s name, 4430 Rocklane Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46143.
Pastor Seth Amerine will conduct a service celebrating his life on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 2PM at Rocklane Christian Church 4430 Rocklane Road Greenwood, IN 46143.
Friends may call Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 2PM until 6PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 1PM until service time at the church.
Burial will follow the service at Rocklane Cemetery in Greenwood, IN with military honors being conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and Franklin American Legion Post 205 Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
