Ronald Terry Copeland

Ronald Terry Copeland, 78, passed peacefully at home on June 11th in Shawnee, Kansas. A devoted spouse, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ron welcomed life with open arms and an underlying compassion. Whether scuba diving, riding horses, painting, writing, or watching the Royals, Ron possessed a sense of humor that matched his sense of purpose.

Born on October 4, 1947 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Ron was the child of Loyd and Oneta Copeland. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1965 and attended Central Missouri State University. Ron enlisted in the Army in 1967 and served as a combat soldier in Vietnam.

Ron started his law enforcement career when he returned home, and he spent 32 years as a patrolman and detective in Shawnee, eventually earning the rank of Captain. During his tenure as an investigator with Shawnee he especially enjoyed serving on the Metro Squad and was a hostage negotiator for the SWAT team. He was particularly proud of his work with helping to establish Sunflower House, a child advocacy non-profit.

In 1974, Ron married Terry Wall. Together they shared 52 years of marriage. The pair worked hard and raised three wonderful and talented children — Laura, Joe, and Jennifer. Ron & Terry enjoyed square dancing, horse-back riding, and traveling.

Ron is survived by the love of his life, Terry; children Laura Bussell (Michael), Joseph Copeland (Mims), and Jennifer Copeland (Mark Luce); grandchildren Jacob (Jessica) and Kat Mruskovich, Miles and Quinn Luce, Sadie and Timothy Copeland; and great-grandchildren Hudson and Mickey Mruskovich.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at Amos Family Funeral Home at 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas. Visitation will be available prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron’s memory to Sunflower House by CLICKING HERE