Duncan - Bobby Joe Copeland, 90, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026 in Duncan, Oklahoma after a prolonged illness. Bobby was born Sept. 25, 1935 in Duncan, to Andrew and Josephine Copeland.

He grew up in a small house on 5th and Maple with his brothers and sisters. After graduating from Duncan Senior High School in 1953, he joined the United States Navy as a jet mechanic/maintainer. His 22-year career took him to nine different bases in two countries and four deployments during the Vietnam War. It was during this time he met his wife Bernice and together they had three children.

Retiring from the Navy as Chief Petty Officer, Bobby and his family settled down in Oak Harbor, Washington where he worked 20 years civil service on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Wanting to return home, in 1998, he traveled back to Duncan to begin his "retirement." Once back in his hometown, he worked another 11 years at The Simmons Center. In 2009, Bobby finally retired for good and was then able to further pursue his lifelong hobbies and interests which included woodworking, westerns, garage saleing for holiday decorations, OU softball and football, Duncan softball and football, and spending time with his cats. He was such an ardent supporter of Duncan Demon athletics that if he could not physically make it to a game, he first caught highlights and articles, but once streaming emerged, he most certainly saw every game. After a hard-fought battle with numerous illnesses, Bobby earned his final retirement and earthly rest.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers: Leroy Copeland, Harley Copeland, Freeman Copeland, and Burl Copeland; and sisters: Retha, Billie Ruth, and Delores.

He is survived by his sister, Jean Pitcock; brother, Tommy Copeland; his daughter, Constance Copeland; youngest son, Robert Blaine Copeland; grandson, Scott Jeffrey Copeland; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Viewing and visitation are scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Whitt Funeral Home. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home/Oakcrest Cremation Center.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.