Milum “Wil” Wilbur Copeland

Milum Wilbur Copeland, age 85, of Poplar Bluff, MO, passed away Friday, July 25th, 2025 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. He was born on July 9, 1940 in Patterson, MO to James and Verda Mae (Allen) Copeland. 

He was married to Judy (Elder) Copeland November 24th, 1989 at the Kime General Baptist Church. Wil lived in Illinois and drove a chemical truck for G.S. Trucking until his retirement and moved back home to Missouri. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved holiday dinners and could out eat everyone. He loved his old car friends and driving his old '39 Chevy Pickup. 

Wil attended Fellowship General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man of Faith and loving the Lord with all his heart.

Wil is preceded in death by his parents, James and Verda Copeland.

Survivors include his wife Judy Copeland, of the home, his children, Jeff Copeland (Lynn), of Milstadt, IL, Kelli Kurtz (Tom), of Edwardsville, IL, Ted Elder (Tina), of Poplar Bluff, Vicki Robinson (Lanny), of Greenville, and his sister, Wilma Whitlock (Paul), of Rogersville, MO. 
 
He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Daniel (Rene'), Megan (Lance), Macy (Adam), Jessica (Destin), Ryan (Brianna), Tyler (Ana), Derek (Chasity), 7 great grandchildren: Tatum, Ellen, Alaina, Aleah, Michael, Braylin, and Braxton, along with several nephews, cousins and many other family and friends.

Visitation was held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at the Morrison Funeral Chapel in Greenville. Funeral services followed at 1:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Byron Beck officiating. Special recorded songs were played for the service and Ryan Elder, Tyler Elder, Derek Emerson, Dan Kurtz, Adam Duchesne, and Destin Wilson serving as Ball Bearers. Interment was in the Patterson Cemetery.

Memorials have been suggested to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.