Michael Copeland

Mike Copeland of Dallas, Texas died on July 25, 2024, from complications of diabetes. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather to all who knew him.

He was born on August 23, 1948, in Arkansas City, Kansas, to the late Wallace Harold (Wally) Copeland and Mary Jacqueline (Jackie) Copeland, and was their only child. Mike grew up in Ark City and graduated from high school in 1966. He earned his B.A. (cum laude) from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas in 1969. He enlisted in the Army serving active duty from 1969 to 1971.

Upon discharge, he married Katherine Elizabeth (Katie) Eby and moved to Dallas to enroll in law school at SMU. Mike earned his J.D. in 1974 and L.L.M. in tax law in 1981. He practiced law in small law firms, state and federal agencies and retired from the legal department of the City of Denton in 2016. Mike found the most joy while playing golf, reading, spoiling grandchildren, working out and remodeling his home. He loved basketball and was a great fan of the Dallas Mavericks. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor and a pun for many occasions.

Mike is survived by his wife, Katie; daughter, Amy; son, Stephen; daughter-in-law, Sara; and grandchildren, Jennie, Emily, John and Hannah. After a family graveside service, an informal reception will be held in his memory from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, at the pavilion of Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the North Texas Food Bank.

Paraphrasing ee cummings: "We carry you in our hearts"