Terry Duane Copeland

Terry Duane Copeland died peacefully on February 17, 2026 due to complications from surgery.

Terry was born in 1937 in Lamar, Colorado where he attended first grade in a one room schoolhouse. At the age of seven his parents, Ray & Estellyne Copeland, moved the family to Plainview, Texas where he completed his public education. Fond early memories included playing catch with his father in the backyard and lettering in varsity basketball at Plainview High.

He studied at the University of Texas at Austin where he received his bachelor's degree in organic chemistry. After college, he served three years in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps follow by graduate school at the University of Maryland where he pursued his doctorate degree. As a scientist his professional career focused on the study of retroviruses at Future Labs of Washington and the National Cancer Institute at NIH - Ft. Detrick.

Terry was a man of many interests which inspired a lifetime of learning. In addition to being a prolific reader, he attended lectures, seminars, and classes on many subjects. He also enjoyed a wide variety of spectator sports, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay in his Nordic folk boat, traveling throughout the world, and gardening. He was known by many for his beautiful dahlias which won numerous prizes at the Frederick County and Maryland State Fairs. In his 70s he learned how to race walk and well into his 80s competed nationally as well as internationally with the Potomac Valley Track Club.

He was a long-time member of Frederick Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder for many years, the Frederick County Public Library Book Club, the American Chemical Society, and the National Capitol Dahlia Society. He was also an ardent supporter of Friends of Baker Park. On a lighthearted note, he never encountered an animal that did not immediately want to befriend him.

He is survived by Martha, his beloved wife of 32 years; his sister Janice Shults (Kermitt) of Brownfield, Texas; his sister Sylvia Goree of Houston, Texas; his brother Randy Copeland (Krista) Denver, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service of interment will take place in the All Souls Memorial Garden at Washington National Cathedral later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Frederick Animal Control and Adoption Center or the National Capital Dahlia Society. Terry Duane Copeland