Royce Copeland

Royce Arlan Copeland, of Denver, CO, and formerly of Walters, OK, departed this life surrounded by family on October 2, 2016.  He was born in Tecumseh, Potawattomie County, OK, on November 6, 1927, to Sidney Richard Copeland and Maggie Rachel (Pack) Copeland.

Royce spent his early years in both Texas and Oklahoma as the family moved to work in the oil fields.  He once stated that he had been enrolled in 16 different schools, but had great memories of playing football at Seagraves, TX.  He played football and ran track in high school and never lost his interest in following sports - in particular, Oklahoma State University and Walters High School football teams.

While attending high school in Walters, where he graduated in 1946, he met the love of his life, June Mershon.  They dated for three years and married on November 8, 1948.  They were together for 71 years and spent the majority of those years in Walters.  During the early years of their marriage, June and Royce lived in several towns in Texas and Oklahoma while he worked in the oil fields.  After they moved back to Oklahoma, Royce worked for his brother, Kenneth, at Lawton Mattress Company and was also self-employed.

Royce was a member of the First Christian Church.  He was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to fish and telling stories.  He also enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sister and their families.  Royce and June moved to Edmond, OK, in 2005 and then to Denver, CO, in 2008 to be with family.  After they moved from Walters, Royce would always talk about “going home.”

Royce enjoyed reading about history, spending time with friends, driving the back roads of Cotton County, fishing and telling stories.  He had a great sense of humor.  He loved to take long drives in the car and could remember almost every place he’d visited.  He also enjoyed gardening and raising horses.  He could cook the best red beans and cornbread. 

Royce is survived by his wife, June Mershon Copeland, of Denver, CO; son, Keith Copeland, Denver, CO; daughter and husband, Paula and Pat Broe, Denver, CO; daughter and husband, Karissa and Lance Torcom, Virginia Beach, VA; six grandchildren - Sean, Caitlin "Kiki", Kevin, and Brianna Broe, and Kelsey and Brendan Torcom; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Odessa Copeland; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Brookdale University Park, Salas Home Care and especially his "Petunia," Cookie Lafoye, for their commitment to Royce.  He appreciated the many acts of kindness bestowed on him.

A memorial service for Royce will be held on Saturday, Nov 12, at 1:00, at the First Christian Church in Walters, OK, followed by a reception.  There will a private burial at the Walters Cemetery.