Dr. William B. Copple

Dr. William B. "Doc" Copple, age 77, of Brookfield, passed away on October 8, 2025, in Brookfield, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born March 3, 1948, in Chillicothe, Missouri, Bill was the son of Richard Bryan and Elizabeth Jane (Kephart) Copple.
Bill was a 1966 graduate of Southwest High School in Ludlow. He continued his education at Central Missouri State University, graduating in 1970, and later earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1974. On June 29, 1974, he married Rhonda Riggins, and together they made their home in Brookfield, where he opened his own dental practice and faithfully served the community until his retirement in 2018.
Bill was known by many as possibly the greatest turkey hunter in the state of Missouri. He loved sharing his passion with others, often taking friends and family on hunting trips. He also enjoyed duck and deer hunting, fishing, playing cards, and playing golf. Bill had a green thumb and was known for his delicious garden tomatoes. Above all, he loved his family and friends deeply and was a big storyteller who could make anyone smile. He was also a loyal Missouri Tiger fan.
Bill was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Brookfield. He was also active in his community as a member of The Brookfield Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, Joe White Lake Association, Sumner Sportsman's Club, and the National Wild Turkey Federation – Yellow Creek Chapter.
Throughout his life, Bill served on several boards of directors, including the Brookfield R-III School Board, where he was president for nine years, the Brookfield Country Club, and the Linn County Health Department. His leadership, generosity, and dedication left a lasting mark on the community he loved.
Bill will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend to all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Rhonda Copple of the home; two sons, W. Bryan Copple II and wife, Ronda, of Richmond, and W. Brent Copple and wife, Melanie, of Godfrey, Illinois; four grandchildren, Elle Elizabeth Copple, W.B. "Tripp" Copple III, Sophie Grace Copple, and Stella Faith Copple; one sister, Sherria Kavanaugh of Hamilton; brother-in-law, Tom Riggins and wife, Rhonda, of Chillicothe; sister-in-law, Tamara Woods of Kansas City; and many nieces, nephews, and numerous close friends - too many to mention.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father- and mother-in-law, Phil and Ilene Riggins; and brother-in-law, James Kavanaugh.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Brookfield, with Pastor Lee Porch officiating. Burial at Park Lawn Cemetery will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield.
Memorial contributions made payable to Brookfield R-III, Bill Copple Student Needs Fund or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.