Donald Ray Copeland

Mr. Donald Ray Copeland, 78, of Henderson, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. Don was born August 11, 1934 in Rusk County to E.D. and Lois Mae Pool Copeland. He graduated from Gaston High School in 1952 and received an Associates Degree from Kilgore Junior College in 1954. He married Sarah Youngblood on December 10, 1955.Don was drafted into the United States Army in March 1957 and received an honorable discharge in March 1959. He was called back for active duty October 1961 through July 1962 during the Cuban Conflict under President John F. Kennedy.He was employed for almost 38 years with United Gas Co., now Center Point Energy. He also served for 38 years as a Volunteer Fireman for Henderson Fire Department.Don Accepted Jesus as his personal savior at Turnertown Baptist Church at an early age. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Henderson for over 50 years. During this time he was very active and served on many committees.Don was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time at his farm tinkering on antique cars, tractors, motors, and farm equipment of all kinds.Don is preceded in death by his parents, E.D. and Lois Copeland; and his son, Donald Ray Copeland II.He is survived by: his wife of almost 57 years, Sarah Youngblood Copeland; daughter, Debbie Hollis; grandson, Carson Hollis and wife Jennifer; granddaughter, Cortland Suzanne Hollis and fiancee Tyler Esters, all of Henderson; brother, James M. Copeland and wife Jean, also of Henderson; and a great host of family and friends.A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2012 at Lakewood Memorial Park in Henderson, with a memorial service following at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. David Higgs and Rev. Bill Tisdale officiating, under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701, and/or the Missions program at First Baptist Church at 207 W. Main St., Henderson, TX 75652.Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Donald Ray Copeland

August 11, 1934 - September 4, 2012