Robert Dean "Sarge" Copeland

Of Des Moines, IA 83 years old passed December 13, 2014.

Born May 19th, 1931 in Des Moines, IA to Clyde and Ada Copeland. He grew up and spent most of his life on the East side of Des Moines. His childhood was not an easy one growing up one of eight children but he made the most of what he had, a theme that would be evident throughout his life. After earning his GED from Des Moines Tech High School, he went on to serve his country for over 20 years in both the US Navy and US Air Force in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Through his service to his country he met his loving wife, Su, in South Korea and eventually married her in a small ceremony outside of Seoul, South Korea. They moved back to Des Moines, IA where Robert re-joined the civilian workforce as a truck driver for American Freight where he made some life-long friends. He was a member of VFW, the American Legion and of the Teamsters, Local 147, where he served as Retirees Treasurer up until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Su Copeland of Des Moines, IA; children Kathleen Isenberg (Tom) of Des Moines, IA; Bruce Copeland (Erica) of Raymore, MO; and Clyde Copeland of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren Jensen Hastings, Emma Hastings, Hayden Isenberg, Harper Copeland and Finch Copeland. He also has two surviving sisters, Shirley Grissom and Carol Cavanaugh along with several loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends across the country. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Robert's funeral will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5-7pm on Friday, December 19th. A Celebration of Life ceremony will begin at 11am on Saturday, December 20th. A private Veterans burial will occur at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to the VFW (www.vfw.org/Contribute/), an organization founded to help veterans.

Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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