Joseph "Joe" Copeland, 45, of Auburn, passed away 11/06/2012 at his home.
Joe was born February 25, 1967 in Topeka the son of Chuck and Louise Copeland. He was raised in Perry and was a graduate of Perry Lecompton High School. He was active in many sports. In 1985 Joe attended Highland Community College on a football scholarship and later attended Washburn University.
Joe served in the Air National Guard retiring after 22 years of service. He was a Master Sergeant who accomplished 61 TDY's in many countries including Iraq and Afghanistan.
He was a Topeka firefighter 17 years and a member of International Association of Fire Fighters Local #83. He was involved in the Hazmat Team.
Joe married Nicole Madron March 22, 2007. She survives. Other survivors include his children; Karlie, Joele, Aunesty, Aeryn and Raelee; his parents, Chuck and Louise Copeland; his siblings, Doug (Jean), Alan (Arlene), Nadine (Dave), Leann (Kyle) and additional family and friends.
He will lie in state after 12:00 noon Tuesday at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. that evening. Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Perry. Memorial contributions may be given for the Copeland Children's Education Fund. Please make the check out to Nicole Copeland or Beth Roe, C/o of Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66610.