Ronald Ernest Copelin

Ronald Ernest Copelin, age 85, left our earthy life to eternal life embraced in the arms of Christ our Savior on April 24th, 2025. Ron was born on September 18, 1939, in Gracemont, Oklahoma, to Marion Ernest and Audrey Creo Copelin. He was their fourth child of six children: Lillard, Farrell, Donald, Ron, their sister Treva, and younger brother Ed. At 5 years of age Ron moved to Granite, Oklahoma. There they had a farm and family diary just 1 mile NE of town. It was in Granite where Ron met the love of his life, Shannon Kay Cooper. Ron and Shannon's journey together was beginning to take shape.
After graduation in 1958, he headed to the Army at Fort Chaffee Arkansas and served active duty for the next 6 months. Upon returning to Oklahoma City, he went to work for Western Electric. In September 1959, he married Shannon in Oklahoma City and they began their life journey together and built their family. They had two sons, Mark and Scott. Ron and Shannon lived and raised the boys in Bethany, when in 1969, he took a transfer to Shreveport, Louisiana. It was in Shreveport where his heart was opened to the Savior's calling and he gave his life to Christ. It was this change that shaped him for the rest of his earthly life. In January of 1971, Ron took another transfer, this time to Denver, Colorado. Living in Broomfield, they found a new community of believers. They built a life with their sons full of adventure. Ron loved and appreciated God's creation including the mountains, four seasons, and deep blue skies. It was a great place to raise their sons. Memories were created as they participated in activities that he loved as well like, fishing, camping, skiing and bird watching in the outdoors. As his father Marion aged and Shannon's mother and father aged, they made a choice to move back to Oklahoma in 1983. This was to help and assist their parents in the elderly stage of life.
Church was important to Ronald, as he served as a deacon and teacher department leader at Chisholm Heights Baptist in Mustang, Oklahoma. It was here where they connected with local family and old friends along with new friends in the church community.
Ronald is survived by his pride and joys of life: wife of 65 years, Shannon Copelin; son Mark Copelin and his wife Marty of Manitou Springs; daughter Jessa; son Gentry and his wife Monica; granddaughters Andi and Bradlee; son Scott Copelin and daughter Ashley of Yukon; son Cooper and his wife Wynter; sister Treva Hill; brother Ed Copelin and his wife Lyn; sister in law Betty Mills; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron leaves behind a strong and solid legacy of loving God, family, and friends. He had a simple life full of kindness and encouraged all he met. He was steadfast and carried integrity in his character. He was kind and gentle with his words, and he loved well. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips, demonstrating the love of Jesus to all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to either or both of the following: In Memory of Ron Copelin to Chisholm Heights Baptist Church, Mustang, OK www.chbcmustang.org or Friends of Will Rogers Garden www.friendsofwillrogersgardens.org
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Chisholm Heights Baptist Church in Mustang, Oklahoma.