Donald Copeland

Minot

Donald Copeland, 71, Minot, ND, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Donald Melvin Copeland was born December 1, 1952, the son of Richard and Norma (Hamilton) Copeland, in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Florida where he graduated from high school in 1971.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 15, 1971. He proudly served his country during the Gulf War. He was honorably discharged December 31, 1991.

He married Virginia Bechtold on November 10, 1972 in Minot, ND. Donald was stationed in Minot until 1975 then stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Satellite Beach, Florida. After Florida he served one year in Sardina, Italy. After being stationed in Italy he was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas and worked as an administrator in the Army/Air Force jail. The jail was then transferred to McChord, Washington and he ended his tour in Minot, North Dakota.

After serving in the Air Force, he worked for Choice Hotels. He was also the owner and operator of the 4th Avenue Diner in Minot. He was a member of the Apostolic Faith Church, Minot. He enjoyed reading, handball, racquetball, and was a Steeler’s Football fan. His loving family includes: wife of 51 years, Virginia; son, Christopher Don Copeland; grandchildren, Timothy DonAllen Copeland (Ashley Kimble), Sierra Dawn Copeland, Joshua Tyler Preston, Tahnee Dange’ Preston, Daycee Ann Preston, Adam John Copeland; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Cindy Heid, Richard (Vicki) Copeland, Albert Copeland (Tammy), Becky (Richard) Burton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Valerie Lyn Copeland.

Funeral: Friday, July 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Apostolic Faith Church, Minot, ND. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 17, 2024.