John Copley

John L. Copley, 62, died peacefully at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2011 at his home with family by his side.  Born September 10, 1949 in Alton, he was the son of Robert and Nancy (Graves) Copley of Godfrey.  Mr. Copley was a meat and poultry inspector for the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture.  He served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam and was a member of the Godfrey Congregational Church.  He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Jerseyville and served as a board member and past president of the Jersey Community Unit School District 100.  On February 14, 1998 in St. Louis, MO, he married the former Janet Fowler.  She survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Robert Joseph Copley and his wife Katherine of Madison, WI, and Erik Thomas Copley of Jacksonville, IL, one granddaughter, Maci Katherine Copley of Madison, WI, one sister, Susan Grothaus and her husband David of Fayetteville, AR, and five brothers, Christopher Copley and his wife Ginny of Grafton, Timothy Copley and his wife Mary Lou of Godfrey, Jeffrey Copley and his wife Sheila of Pana, Joel Copley of Rochester, NY and David Copley of Godfrey.  He was a dear son, father, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend to all.  Private graveside services will be on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Godfrey Cemetery with full military honors by the Alton VFW Post 1308.  A memorial visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the Godfrey Congregational Church.  Reverend Jerry MeCaskey will officiate.  Memorials may be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) or the Jersey Community Unit School District 100 Foundation.  Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.

Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home