Cover photo for Thomas Joseph Copeland's Obituary
Thomas Joseph Copeland Profile Photo
1954 Thomas 2020

Thomas Joseph Copeland

December 8, 1954 — April 13, 2020

Tecumseh

Thomas Joseph Copeland passed away peacefully in his home April 13th, 2020. He was born December 8th, 1954 to John Copeland Sr and Dorothea (McEuin) Copeland in Omaha, NE. The Copeland family moved back to Tecumseh when he was 6yrs old. He was part of the 1973 class at Tecumseh High School.

Thomas proceeds in death his father John Sr, brothers John II, Jimmy and son Cj Belvin. Survived by his mother Dorothea Copeland, stepmother Patricia Copeland, Great Uncle Paul and Cindy Copeland, Son Joseph and Christin Copeland, grandchildren Justise, Bennett, and Ella Grace, Daughter Tessy and Mikie Dukes, granddaughters Jacelyn and Macie,  Niece Angel Copeland, Nephew Jimmy Copeland, Son Jesse and Amber Belvin, granddaughter Addie, Son Justin and Kim Belvin, granddaughters Brittany and Carly, Son Lloyd and Tara Parkinson grandson Mitchell, Daughter Kahlua Prince and Jared Knight, grandchildren Kameron, Kollin, and Kaitlyn. As well as many other valued family members and friends that loved him dearly, notably his ex wife Callie Cannon who stayed true in friendship and love, helping the family care for him till his passing.

His Career started at young age 13 when he stole and wrecked his mommas 1965 Chevy stationwagon. After his daddy whipped him a good one(his version is much more colorful), he began working off his debt in his parents Tecumseh store, ALKO Plumbing. This jack of trades worked as ruff neck in the Oil fields, Housing Authority, sheet metal mechanic at Tinker, computer aided drafter, HVAC/plumbing journeyman and as The Rev commencing weddings for his family and friends.

I am sure most that know Thomas, also know some pretty entertaining stories, whether you got the pleasure of enjoying his re-told version or maybe you are part of one those wild adventures of his. Those happy memories are the ones he would want you to cherish and not dwell in his departure. Thomas defyed odds,  many times if you ask him, but most notably on July 23, 2010 when he was recipient of the most precious gift of life, a liver transplant. His heroic organ donor Joel, while unknown to us, he was a well respected, long time, Fire Chief in Texas. Without his wife's brave decision to honor her husband wishes to continue to save lives, even after death, Thomas aka Papa Dude, would have never had opportunity to meet all his grandchildren and leave an everlasting impact of love and humor on their lives, that they will carry on to their children. There were days Thomas struggled to understand why God granted him extra time and not his hero donor, but in that we are yet again reminded that we work on Gods timing not ours and whether we can see the plan or not, he has one.

As Thomas would say Peace Out!

The family will have a Memorial to celebrate his life later this summer. If you wish to share special memories or get in contact with the family you may share them on Thomas's Facebook or email tdukes02@gmail.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Joseph Copeland, please visit our flower store.

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