Thomas Gary Copeland

Thomas Gary Copeland, 71, of Jefferson City, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born on October 17, 1946, in Jefferson City, the son of Lawrence and Nancy (Branson) Copeland, who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on December 10, 1966, in Jefferson City to Darline Shiver, who survives of the home. He was a graduate of Jefferson City High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked for Harold G. Butzer as a Union Pipefitter for 20 years until his retirement. He was a loyal and dedicated employee, rarely missing a day of work and a proud union man. Tom was big kid. He loved playing with his kids and grandkids helping them put Legos together, constructing puzzles and having epic water gun battles. He liked to travel when his girls were in high school band and he always drove the band van. He took all 16 family members to Florida several times. He loved watching the grandkids dig in the sand, search for sea shells and body surf. Tom and Darline traveled to many places in their 51 years together. Cruises to Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean were some of their many adventures together. He had several hobbies in life, but trains and motorcycles were his favorite. He is also survived by three daughters: Debi (Ron) Johnson of Yorktown, Virginia, Stacey (Mark) Davis of California, Missouri and Melanie (Shawn) Thompson of Jefferson City; two brothers: Lawrence (Jane) Copeland of Freeburg and Martin Copeland of Camdenton; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by one sister: Montrey Balmer. Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel with Pastor Randy Dignan officiating. Interment will be private for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Central Missouri Honor Flight Program. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com