Garland Copeland, 91, entered into rest on August 15, 2012 in Tracy, California. He was born on June 9, 1921 in Shamrock, Texas. He joins his beloved wife Lora Copeland in heaven .
Mr. Copeland is survived by his children, Barbara Crawford (Harley), Ken Copeland (Kathleen) and Kathy Howe (Steven). He was blessed by seven grandchildren Gary Crawford, Jeff Crawford, Julie Malling, Jennifer Steiner, Matthew Copeland, Melissa Clawson and Brittany Howe. He also had eight great grandchildren who he adored; Jenna, Josh, Jacob, Taylor, Sophie, Kyle, Reagan and Paisley.
Garland grew up on a cattle ranch in Texas where he was the twenty-first child of twenty-two children born to his parents. He joined the Army at a young age serving from 1942-1946 in the 3rd infantry – 3rd division and earned his Combat Infantry ETO Medal. After the military Garland worked at Sharps Army Depot, retiring after 29 years of service. Garland enjoyed puzzles, golfing, collecting coins, and playing cards. He loved traveling with his late wife and theyespecially loved going to Branson, Missouri and Hawaii. In his younger years Garland was on a traveling baseball team where he played first base. He was a resident of the Commons where he loved playing Wii bowling. While living at the Commons Garland participated in the Wii bowling traveling team, resident leadership where he held the office of Vice President and was a charter member of the Resident Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family as he was known as the jokester of the family. He will be remembered for his infectious personality, his witty sense humor, and his smile which would light up any room.
P.L. Fry & Son, Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Copeland family. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. held at P. L. Fry & Son 290 N. Union Rd, Manteca. A service will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. also held at P.L. Fry & Son. He will be laid to rest at Lakewood Memorial Park – Hughson, Ca. An online guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries).
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
