Joe Selman Copeland

What a grand Homecoming Joe Copeland is experiencing! From being a believer in the promise of everlasting life through his belief that Jesus is the Great I Am, we know that his Reward was granted, and he has been wrapped in the loving arms of our Father. He was surrounded by his four loving daughters and their families as he transitioned to the afterlife. What an honor to be with him when he took his last breath.

Joe was born to Martin and Jessie Grimes Copeland on a trip to see family in Old Bowling, Texas. He was raised in Flynn, Texas in a loving, Christian home. His parents were founding members of Flynn Assembly of God. Joe was the oldest member of the congregation.

He was a member of the last graduating class from Flynn High School. All four graduates stayed in touch for many years after their walk across the stage. After graduation, he served proudly in the United States Air Force.

On a weekend trip to see his sister Lera, his brother-in-law told him of a great job working for Eastern States Petroleum in Pasadena, Texas. He stayed with the oil company which eventually became Charter Oil until he retired in 1984. Joe was a proud union member of OCAW (Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers). He was elected by membership to be one of the eight-member Oil Bargaining Committee whose responsibility it was to negotiate the contracts between the oil companies and the union. He was proud of the work he did on that committee, ensuring that workers had safe working conditions and the very best of benefits.

Joe met Nell Langford at a party in 1955, and he convinced her to marry him on February 9, 1957. They married in a simple ceremony in Leon County, Texas. Soon after, their family grew when they were blessed with four beautiful daughters. They raised their family first in Pasadena and soon moved to Huffman where they were active in their children’s lives. After the children were grown, Joe and Nell moved to Flynn. When Nell passed, Joe told her physician that he had loved her for a long time. He had either been chasing or married to her for 64 years. They are now reunited.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathryn (Nell) Langford Copeland, grandson Joe Paul Don Copeland, brothers Billy and Harmon Lee, sister Lera Price, and Brother Harris, his special friend and mentor.

He is survived by his daughters: Lee Ann Buscemi, Gwen Bowers, Patricia Weaver (Beth), and Barbara Copeland (Linda); grandchildren: Kathy Jo Kindred (Greg), Brian Buscemi (Sarah), Jamie Lindsey (Darren), Lester Bowers. Jr (Kristel), Timmy Weaver, Brian Gully, and Joey Weaver (Courtney); great grandchildren: Vincent, Nick (Casey), Molli, Truitt, Justin, Samantha, Jarid (Logan), Brian, Jr., Katie, Gauge, and Charleigh; great-great granddaughter: Juniper, who he fondly called Little Tree; sister Naomi Greer, sister-in-law Barbara Yarbrough, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services: Visitation is from 4 pm – 7 pm, Tuesday, November 22 at Cozart Funeral Home, 220 Heath Street, Normangee, Texas. The Celebration of Life is planned for 10 am, Wednesday, November 23 at Cozart with Roy Aguirre officiating. Interment to follow at the Clear Creek Cemetery.

Pall Bearers: Tim Weaver, Joey Weaver, Lester Bowers, Jr., Brian Gully, Darren Lindsey, and Greg Kindred. Honorary Pall Bearer and lifelong friend Sonny Vestal.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate in his honor to Traditions Home Health and Hospice Care, 600 E. Loop 304, Crockett, TX 75835. Daddy was well-cared for by the professional staff, special thanks to Sharon and Chaplain Crystal.