Cecil Leonard Copeland

Cecil Leonard Copeland, retiree from General Motors, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2015 at the age of 82. Born May 7, 1933 in Pickens, Oklahoma to Millard and Luda Copeland, they later moved to Prineville, Oregon. From there he entered the Army and served in the Korean War. There he saw a picture of a young girl, Naomi Taylor, the sister of a buddy soldier of his. He asked his permission to write to her. After about nine months of writing and about 180 letters between the two of them, he came to Lansing to meet Naomi and 3 months later they were married—60 years ago. Naomi survives. The union produced two sons, Neil, and John (Debbie); and two daughters, Sheila (Greg) Elliott and Lori (Terry Brian) Grant.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters. Surviving are 5 granddaughters; Angel Osborne, Katelyn Elliott, Rachel, Michelle and April Copeland; 5 grandsons, James (Ashley) Copeland, Christian and Cameron Grant, Michael Elliott, and Aaron Copeland; 6 great-grandchildren, Caddin, Cory and Paris Osborne, and Lennon, Layne and Lola Copeland. Also surviving is one brother, Lawrence Copeland of Okemos.

Cecil loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, deeply, and was very active in First Assembly of God of Greater Lansing for 60 years. He will be greatly missed by his church and family.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 17, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the First Assembly of God of Greater Lansing, 2717 West Rd, East Lansing MI. The Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the church with family visitation one hour prior to the service.