John William Coppins

John William Coppins, age 91, passed away peacefully at 3:17am on Saturday August 10th, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. John was born on September 28, 1932, in Notting Hill, London, England. He was the son to the late William Frank "Sam" Coppins and Margaret "Maggie" (Selby) Coppins, and the cherished husband of the late Patricia "Pat" Coppins.
John's life was marked by dedication and service. He served in the British Army from 1950-1952. He, his wife, and son moved to South Bend, Indiana in 1962. In 1968 he became a sheet metal worker and worked as a Sheet Metal Journeymen with Local Union 20, retiring on disability in December 1991. He was a proud union member of Local 20 for 52 years where he was known to his mates (friends) as "Limey."
John was very proud of his Church of England - Protestant faith and that he was a Londoner and a Cockney. He will be remembered for his huge smile, his happy disposition, and easy-going spirit. He loved to sing and dance to the English sing-a-longs from during the war and was always the life of the party.
John leaves behind a loving family: his son, Brett Coppins (Crystal Coppins), and daughter, Hayley Coppins, all from South Bend. He was predeceased by his mother and father, his wife Patricia Coppins who passed away December 3, 2021, and his son Jonathan Coppins, who passed away January 26, 1988. Additionally, he was the last of 12 brothers and sisters, all of which lived in London, England. During his final years, his biggest smiles came during the visits and kisses from his grandchildren. His legacy lives on through his son and daughter, 10 grandchildren and 22 great- grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6:00pm until 8:00pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2428 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615 with a short prayer service and eulogy at 7:30pm.
Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Dr. D, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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