Chris Eric Copenhaver

Chris Copenhaver passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021. Originally from Glen Ellyn, IL, just west of Chicago, he was a graduate of Glenbard North High School, Valparaiso University, and the University of Chicago, where he earned Master’s Degrees in both Geography and Political Science. After attending graduate school, Chris moved to the Washington, DC area to work for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as an intelligence officer and imagery analyst.

Throughout his career in the Department of Defense, Chris tackled some of the nation’s toughest issues, including: Soviet/Russian political analysis; combat and targeting support to operations in Libya, the Balkans, and Iraq, and; analysis of global underground facilities. After working for the DIA, NPIC, and NIMA/NGA, he ultimately transitioned to the newly formed DHS, serving as a senior program analyst, retiring in Spring 2019.

An active auto-racing enthusiast, and a collector of vintage Corvettes, Chris was an avid fan of football, hockey, baseball, and billiards, as well as a political junkie and close watcher of the news. A fluent speaker of German, Chris’ education and career led him to travel to over 15 countries, including West and East Germany, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Denmark, to name a few.

Chris was a loving husband and father, survived by his children, brother, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd., Springfield, VA, 22151 on Friday, April 16 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Burial will be private.