Retired Robert Edward Copley MSgt USAF

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MSgt. Ret. Robert Edward Copley, 77, of Jacksonville went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 1, 2025. He was born September 28, 1947 in Vallejo, California to the late Donald E. Copley Jr. and Winnie Roberta (Strutt) Copley. Mr. Copley retired after a twenty-seven-year career in the United States Air Force. MSgt. Copley will always be remembered for the love and care he showed to everyone who crossed his path. He was generous with his time and money, often donating both wherever it was needed. This love and compassion for his fellow man led him to meet the love of his life, Zainab Hassan Nganga while stationed in Kenya on a mission to deliver food and medical aid in Africa. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and in his younger years working on cars, especially his Volkswagen Bug. Despite all of his interests he was always happiest spending time with his family. In addition to his parents Mr. Copley was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Mae Copley.

MSgt. Copley was a proud Vietnam veteran whose selfless dedication to his country was unmatched. His first station was two years in Japan, and one year in Korea, before he did three tours in the Vietnam War, as a Crew Chief wrenching on C-130 "Herc". After the war was over he returned home with his family. He decided to teach flight mechanics for several years, but he wanted back up in the air, so he switched careers in the Air Force, and trained to be a Flight Engineer. Afterward he retired from the Air Force, but not from flying. He went on to work for Southern Air, and Lyndon Air Cargo as a flight engineer. During his long and distinguished career Mr. Copley achieved many accolades for his honorable and courageous service including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air force Longevity Service Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Outstanding Unit Citation with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal with a Silver and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. The legacy he leaves behind is truly that of an American Hero.

Left to carry on his legacy are his loving and devoted wife of twenty-nine years, Zainab Copley; children, Goldie Jokela (Mike) of Alaska, Robert E. Copley Jr. (Marisa) of Connecticut; grandchildren, Dalton Burgess and Robert E. Copley III. Other survivors include siblings, Don Copley (LaDonna Weber) and Tina Longar (Tom) both of Kansas and Carl Copley (Joyce) of Texas; along with a host of extended family and many friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00a.m., Monday, September 8, 2025 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel. MSgt. Copley will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors immediately following. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10:00a.m.

Robert E. Copley Jr., Dalton Burgess, Robert E. Copley III and Micaiah Muthee will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials in Mr. Copley's memory may be made to St. Labre Indian School, 112 St. Labre Way Campus Drive, Ashland, Montana, 59003 or to a veteran's charity of ones choosing.