Richard B. Copeland
Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Cass County Communication Network
Richard Bruce Copeland, 92, departed this earthly life September 22, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1932, to Lawrence French and Blanche Vivian Copeland, on a farm in Posey County, Indiana. His mother died when he was four. He and his siblings were not given the opportunity to say goodbye to her.
Richard and his siblings, Amos and Virginia, were raised by their Aunt Mary, a strong woman who was blind from the age of 16. She was never a victim.
The farm had no electricity or indoor plumbing. They couldn’t afford a tractor until the 1940s. Richard was determined to get an education and leave southern Indiana. He saved every penny he earned from selling the piglet he was given for his farm work. At times he lived in the barn and worked in a warehouse during summers through his years at Indiana State Teachers College. He was a founding member of ISU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He combined work study to earn his degree. Additionally he earned a Masters + 30 hours in education at Ball State University.
Richard believed until his last breath that the happiest day of his life was marrying Eileen Conroy. He could not believe such a woman could love what he described as a “dirty little farm boy”. She preceded him to eternity after 62 years of marriage in 2016.
Richard felt grateful for the middle class life he achieved in Logansport, Indiana as an elementary school teacher, a member of his church, a contributor to his community, a father, a husband, a friend, a mentor, a Cass County historian, a radio personality, a world traveler, a music lover, a man who loved books, an observer, a storyteller and a man who embraced life to the fullest.
One of his proudest moments was being recognized and receiving the 2019 Cass County Community Foundation Richard Cassidy Jr. “Thanks for Giving Award” for his lifetime of community service.
Richard is survived by his three children, Vivian (Todd) Harrington, Christopher Copeland and Maureen (James) Ellis; grandchildren James Ellis and Kathryn (Lance) Boyd and great-grandchildren Buford, Oswold and Lem.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 26th, at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home. A scripture service for the family is scheduled prior to the visitation.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 27th, at All Saints Catholic Church, with Father Adam Mauman officiating.
Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, 112 East Market Street, Logansport 46947.
Kroeger-Crain Funeral & Cremation is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be shared at www.krogerfuneralhome.com.