Michael Lavelle "Mike" Copeland

1953 - 2016

Mr. Michael "Mike" Lavelle Copeland was born on August 31, 1953, in Pocatello, Idaho to the late Denver and Barbara Copeland. Two years later, his family moved to Louisiana where he went on to graduate from Neville High School. Afterwards, he followed in his father's footsteps, becoming an electrical contractor and then co-owner of the family business Copeland Electrical Contractors. However, Mike's proudest accomplishment was his family including his wife of 33 years, Lynn, and his four sons, Chad, Chris, Andrew and Jeremy.

Mike professed his faith in Jesus Christ early on. For many years, he was a dedicated member of North Monroe Baptist Church where he enjoyed fellowshipping with his lifegroup and serving on the parking lot committee on Sunday mornings. Mike was an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-Local 446 for 34 years and a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association for 27 years. As a result of his generous spirit, he was loved by many, especially his grandchildren who called him "Pappaw". He lived by example and the most important lessons he taught his family was to love one another, to appreciate the outdoors and to have a good work ethic.

His wife, caretaker and best friend, Lynn, supported him, cared for him and loved him until the moment he quietly departed this life on Monday, September 12, 2016 at his home. He asked her only a few short days earlier, "How are you holding up?" That statement in itself shows the kind of man Mike was. He was full of compassion and concern for others even more than himself. Lynn has expressed more than once, she could not have done this without the support and help of his four sons. Mike raised his sons to be compassionate, giving and loyal men and to keep God and family as the center of their focus. One of the last things he explained to his boys was the importance of attending church and keeping their children involved in church.

To celebrate his life, family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, September 14, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at North Monroe Baptist Church followed by a homecoming celebration on Thursday morning, September 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. also at North Monroe Baptist Church. The homecoming celebration will be officiated by Mike's pastors, Dr. Bill Dye, Rev. Warren Eckhardt and Rev. Johnny Funderburg. Graveside services will immediately follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will include his nephews, Seth Copeland and Lonnie Copeland Jr. and his dear friends, James Canizaro, Bennie Evans, Chuck Gwin, Larry King and Randy Shultz. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Auttonberry, Richard Bagbey, Marvin Blakley, Trey Eldridge, Malcolm Ellison, Johnny Foster, Robert Hattaway, Scott Payne, Randy Porter, Brad Reynolds and David Smith.

He will forever be cherished in the lives of his family, which includes his wife of 33 years, Lynn Armstrong Copeland; children, Michael "Chad" Copeland and wife, Lindsey of Sterlington, LA; Chris Copeland and wife, Melissa of Helena, AL; Andrew Copeland, and wife Brittany of Sterlington, LA and Jeremy Copeland of Monroe, LA; his brother, Lonnie Copeland and wife, Wanda of Eros, LA; his sister, Sherry Vining and husband, Kelly of Smyrna, GA; his five grandchildren, Parker Copeland, Cody Copeland, Layne Copeland, Carson Copeland and Cheyenne Copeland; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge the loving care received at M.D. Anderson from 1999 until June of 2016 when he decided to forego any more treatments. They also would like to thank Dr. Hubbard for his incredible care and support along with his nurses and office staff, Dr. Vince Forte with Louisiana Pain Care and his special nurses with Premier Hospice. Memorials may be made to the North Monroe Baptist Church "Daring Faith" Building Fund.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

Sterlington Road

Monroe, LA