Edward Eugene Copley

January 23, 1944 - October 26, 2016

Edward Eugene Copley born, January 23, 1944, in Winchester Illinois left his family and friends to be with Jesus, Wednesday, October 26, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Eugene and Ada Cordellia Sanders and wife, Carolyn Rose Masters Copley. He was also preceded by two brothers, Tom and Dick Copley. Also in Heaven is a great grandson, Uriah Joseph Stephens. Left to cherish memories of him are daughters, Tammy (Rick) Day of New Berlin; Becky (Jim) Brown, The Colony, TX; Lori (Craig) Stephens of Berlin; and Patty Pedigo of Plainfield. Ed and Carol’s legacy continues with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was “Paw” to his grandchildren, whom he believed to be his greatest gifts, Kara Rose (Joe) Bockius of St. Louis; Oliver Eugene Bockius and Nicholas (Hayley) Brown all of Erving, TX; Amelia Anne Brown and Brad (Autumn) Stephens all of New Berlin; Harper Lynne Stephens and Bryan (Natasha) Stephens all of Berlin; Izabella Grace and Katie Brown both of Denton, TX; Kendra Day of Springfield; Abigayle and Abraham Pedigo both of Plainfield; Levi Self and Brooklyn Sheppard both of Berlin. Also surviving are two sisters, Peggy Sue of Jacksonville and Norma Jean (Charles) Newingham of Taylorville; brother, Bill (Judy) of Jacksonville; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces. Edward attended Winchester schools. He worked in agriculture from the age of 14. He married Carolyn Rose Masters, December 7, 1961. He worked for GM&O Railroad for a time. He and Carol put down roots in the New Berlin area in 1969, raising the girls there while Ed worked for U & L Gain and Consolidated Grain until his retirement in 1999. He then went to work as a maintenance man for Shop-Ko. He left Shop-Ko and retired to Prairie Village Healthcare in 2009. He made many new friends and came to think of his caretakers as family. He will be remembered by residence and staff as a loving, helpful and happy man. Ed walked through life with a strong faith and great love for his family. He was always a strong man with a soft heart. He loved family gatherings, singing with the kids, camping and in recent years taking long rides in the car. He smiled and laughed easily even to the end of his battle with Alzheimer’s. Private graveside services will be held. Memorials may be made in memory of Ed to Prairie Village Activity Fund C/O Tammy day, Family Council President.