Noel Copeland died Sunday, January 2, 2011, from complications of a severe stroke suffered 5 ? years ago. He was born December 11, 1938, in Odessa, Texas, the son of Sam and Annie Copeland. He graduated from Carter Riverside High School in Fort Worth and University of Texas in Austin with a degree in journalism. He had an illustrious career as a toy salesman for Mattel, Coleco, Jim Dandy and others. As toy reps became extinct, he pursued another career in education obtaining his teaching credentials and a master’s degree in special education at Oklahoma State University. He taught at Tulsa Boys Home for 5 years and McLain High School for 7 years where he began a tennis program. Noel was a long time tennis player and member of Shadow Mountain Racquet Club. He won tournaments and USTA matches, but mostly, he loved all his buddies and the camaraderie. Being a sports and health enthusiast, he was regularly active at the Health Zone. One of his favorite activities was being a “Friend of Bill” where he celebrated 35 years of sobriety. He treasured his many friends and frequently had them chuckling at his funny stories. Noel loved to travel and was an excellent social chairman for his wife, Dee. He made every trip a memorable adventure. On the way home from one, he was making plans for the next. He seemed to know his travel days would be over soon so he made the best of them. His spiritual life was enhanced by his involvement with the Boston Avenue Church and Maranatha Sunday school class. He and Dee also attended many events at All Souls Unitarian Church over the years. Noel was young at heart and loved to play. From scrabble to racquetball to bridge to pickleball to cross country skiing. He would try anything once. After a short training period one year, he ran the Tulsa marathon even though he was not a runner. But once was enough. He was active in the Southwest Rotary and was president in 1989. Noel is survived by Dee, stepchildren, Tommy McGuire and Kristen Lewellen and husband Derek, step grandchildren Mickey McGuire, Aubrey, Ashley and Logan Lewellen, sister-in-law Kathleen Pataki and husband Len, brother-in-law Kevin Harrison and wife Kathy, and children Alex Pataki, Trevor, Kelsey and Sam Harrison, brother-in-law Neil McBride of Houston, sister-in-law Doe Copeland of Austin and their children and grandchildren, daughters Tracy Copeland of Indianapolis and Nicole Copeland of Georgetown.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE AND SEE FULL TEXT ********************************************* Unit #: 23 CPS: 07/27/87 College: Stephen F. Austin Degree: B.S.W. State University Hometown: Houston, Texas Marital Status: Married Pets: 1 cat named "Jenkins," 1 dog named "Beau" Favorite Food: Chinese Favorite Pastime: Working out at President's Health Club & shopping Favorite Movie: Singing in the Rain Favorite TV Show: 30 Something Favorite Sport: Football Preferred Music: Rock and Classical Good Book Read Recently: Fit or Fat Worst thing that has ever happened to you while working for CPS: During my field placement at CPS, I was asked to investigate a low priority II referral. The mother ended up being a schizophrenic & I interviewed her standing in her shack while a rat crawled around my feet. Needless to say, I didn't stand around long. I did the majority of my interview perched on top of a wooden chair. With some assistance, I removed her 9 year old child. Best thing that has ever happened to you while working for CPS: When Sharon Grant was transferred to the first floor program and I didn't have to continually listen to her complain about the third floor anymore. ********************************************* PRESS Ctrl Shift + KEYS TO ENLARGE TEXT SIZE PRESS Ctrl – KEYS TO REDUCE TEXT SIZE