Benjamin Maurice Copeland, Jr.

Benjamin Maurice Copeland, Jr. of Blanco peacefully passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018, at his residence surrounded in the love of his wife and his LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was comforted by many family and friends in the community the days prior as he surrendered his battle to cancer. 

Benjamin was born on February 3, 1941, in Laredo, Texas to Geraldine “Jerry” Candlin Copeland and Benjamin Maurice Copeland, Sr.  The family soon moved to Blanco, where Ben attended Blanco Elementary School.  After the family moved to Fort Worth, he then graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth and went on to graduate from Texas Wesleyan College also in Fort Worth.  Ben attended First Baptist Church of Dallas for many years. He served as a Deacon and was the Sunday School Director at First Baptist Church in Dallas for seventeen years.  In 2007 Ben moved to Blanco after he retired from a thirty year career as a salesman for Cardinal Health.  Upon moving to Blanco he became a Deacon at First Baptist Church Blanco, and also taught a men’s Sunday school class at the church.   Ben’s love for the youth in the church and the community as a whole was constantly on display.  He thoroughly enjoyed working with them at the high school and church, where his engaging personality encouraged many.  Ben was a very active member of the Blanco Lions Club where he served as president for three years.  Ben loved the “Country Life” of Blanco and “playing farmer” on his tractor.  Most of all, Ben loved his Savior.  His abiding love for Jesus Christ was made clear through his joyful approach to each and every day.  He embodied his favorite verse, Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Ben was loved by all who knew him and will be missed by all of his family and friends. 

Survivors include his wife Kathrinne “Kathee” Stewart Copeland of Blanco; son, Craig Stewart Copeland of Blanco; sister, Nancy Champion of Blanco.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Jerry Copeland. 

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 4th at First Baptist Church followed by a visitation with the family at the church. 

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Ron Brown, Gary Cuesta, Tom Davidson, Jim Dunkin, Bobby Fishbeck, John Jones, Gary Lillard, Mike Neagle, and Jerry Turner.