Kenneth W. Copeland

Kenneth W. Copeland, 78, of Versailles passed away at 3:10 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the University Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born in Cross Plains on November 30, 1941 the son of Earl and Grace Porter Copeland. He was married to Earline Pennington on August 23, 1963 and she survives.

Other survivors include one son Kenneth “Sam” (Amy) Copeland of Versailles; three daughters Sandy Copeland of St. Paul, Carla (Steve) Miller of Osgood, and Darla Copeland of Versailles; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; one sister Nancy (Richard) Clem of Westfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert, Francis, and Ross Copeland, and his sisters Mary Lou Jolly and Caroline Morton.

Mr. Copeland was a 1959 graduate of Cross Plains High School and was co-owner along with his son Sam of Copeland Excavating in Versailles. He had also been employed with Butternut Bread in Versailles, A. E. Wood Excavation, and had worked as a plasterer for Halcombs in Versailles. Kenny was active in Republican politics in Ripley County where he served as a county commissioner from 1972 to 1996, as a precinct committeeman in Brown Township for many years, and as Ripley County Republican party chairman from 1997 until 2007. He had also served for 25 years on the Sheriff’s Merit Board. He was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award from both Indiana Governors Bowen and Daniels. Kenny was a member of the Benham United Methodist Church, was a 42 year member of the Versailles Masonic Lodge, and was a former member of the Friendship Fire Department.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 14 at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Jerry Brooks officiating. Burial was in the Cross Plains Methodist Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Cross Plains Methodist Cemetery in care of the funeral home.