Lonzo Copeland

Lonzo D. Copeland, 80, formerly of Hamel, passed away at 1:19 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at his residence.  He was born on June 19, 1943, in Roxana, the son of the late William and Evelyn (Jackson) Copeland.  He married the former Carol Adams on October 6, 1962, at the Bethel Pentecostal Church in East Alton, and she survives.  Other survivors include a daughter and son in law: Ronda and Larry Sechrest of Alton, a son and daughter in law: Lonnie and Chrissie Copeland of East Alton, his grandchildren: Kara and Michael Corby of Staunton, Maegan and Brandon Copeland of East Alton, Kyle and Cami Sechrest of Godfrey, Katie Copeland of Wood River, his great grandchildren: Alex, Asher, Alexis, Sykler, Oliver, Camden, Carson, a sister: Margaret Jarvis of Winfield, Kansas, a brother and sister in law: Tom and Pam Copeland of Shelton, Washington, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Lonzo was employed at McDonnell Douglas for thirty – two years prior to his retirement.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Pauline McNealy, Jean Copeland, and Judy Carter.

Lonnie spent his free time hunting at his cabin in Brown County, fishing, trapping and “tinkering” in the garage. His families homes are full of homemade gifts from swings to trains, yard decorations and recipe boxes. Between tending to his garden and his love of hunting, he and Carol were well known for sending home deer meat, fish, and more berries, peppers and tomatoes than any of his friends and family knew what to do with. His favorite pastime of all, was spending time with his family, especially his beloved wife and best friend of sixty - one years and their children and grandchildren. Lonnie enjoyed attending their sporting events, taking them fishing and hunting, and ending each visit with popsicles on the swing. His legacy will continue in each of every one of them.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10:30am until time of services at 12:30pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.  Pastor Timothy Keller will officiate.  Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to Siteman Cancer Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Obit Provided By:
Pitchford Funeral Home