Donald "Don" Ray Copple

Donald Ray “Don” Copple, age 79, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 7:25 P.M. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on November 23, 1942, in Centralia, Illinois, son of Hubert and Thelma L. (Hart) Copple.  He married Julie Hood on November 3, 1974, in the pastor’s home in Centralia, Illinois, and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his loving wife of 47 years, Mr. Copple is survived by his loving family; sister, Judy Minton and husband Al of Centralia, Illinois, brother, Bret Copple of Centralia, Illinois, and sister, Amy Qualls and husband Richard of Centralia, Illinois; nephews, Jeff Minton and wife Dana of Centralia, Illinois, Terry Minton and wife Pam of Ashley, Illinois, Sean Piper of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Terry Piper and wife Sabrina of Bryan, Texas, Andy Rollins and wife Laurice of O’Fallon, Illinois, Derek Perry and wife Mokesha of Davenport, Iowa; nieces, Tami Piper of Springerton, Illinois and Jessie Tolka and husband Levi of Salem, Illinois; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and furry friend Butterscotch.

Mr. Copple was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Copple; parents, Hubert Copple and Thelma Holt; and stepdad, Charlie Holt.

Mr. Copple was of the Protestant Faith.  He graduated with Centralia Township High School’s “Class of 1960”.  He retired in 1979 as a linotype operator with the Centralia Sentinel after 16 years of service.  He lived his whole life in Centralia, Illinois.  

Mr. Copple enjoyed being in the outdoors, fishing for many years, and shooting trap.  He loved his motorcycles, and he was a man who liked going fast.  He could be found rebuilding motorcycles and racing them.  He was a man of all trades, working with his hands, especially remodeling his home.  He lived in his parent’s home, and he could be heard saying, “he mowed his mom’s grass as child and still mowed his mom’s grass as an adult.”  Mr. Copple definitely had a personality, enjoying life and socializing with everyone he met.  He never met a stranger.  He was known to be kind-hearted, and a jokester, who made you smile or laugh.  You never knew what he would say next.  He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Graveside Memorial Services for Mr. Donald Ray “Don” Copple will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Fouts Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois, with Jeff Minton and Bret Copple officiating.  Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery on Saturday, January 15, 2022.  Inurnment will follow in Fouts Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.  Friends are invited to visit with Mr. Copple’s family from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  The family asks those who are attending to please be mindful of social distancing, wear a mask, and take any health precautions necessary to ensure a healthy environment.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Copple's honor to Centralia Humane Society or Jefferson County Shrine Club in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and may be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mr. Copple’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.

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