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Obituary For Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III
Henry Olin “Hank” Copeland, III, 81, passed away on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 after a long battle with kidney disease and Parkinson’s.
Memorial Services will take place on Sunday, October 1st, at 3:00 p.m. at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, Texas.
Hank was born in Brundidge, Alabama on April 21, 1942 and grew up on a farm where they raised cattle and Morgan horses and grew peanuts, sweet potatoes and pecans. He graduated from Troy State University with a degree in marketing then joined the army. He served 22 years, including 2 tours in Vietnam and 1 in Germany, retiring as a Major.
He was married 30 years to Susan (Melvin) Copeland and raised 2 children, Shawn and Kim. And now has 5 grandchildren.
He also worked as the Vice President of Marketing for The Texas Credit Union League for many years, traveling all over Texas to all the credit unions.
In 1999, he married Selena Robinson. They were married 24 years.
After retiring again, he started working with problem horses for various people and developed that into a full time business. He trained Arabian horses on their farm, Spirit of Texas Arabians, where Selena still lives with their horses and dogs and continues to board horses. Hank started horses under saddle until he was 70 years old and trained full time until he was 75. He competed in the sport of endurance for 20 years, helping many other people get started in the sport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry O. Copeland, II and Elsie Copeland.
Hank is survived by his wife, Selena Copeland; his son, Shawn Copeland; his daughter, Kim Sherman; his sister, Bettie Torme and brother, Fred Copeland; 5 grandchildren, Jacob and Eryn Copeland, Parker, Tommy and Shiloh Sherman; and 2 nephews and 2 nieces.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Hank to Wounded Warriors, the SPCA, the National Kidney Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX.
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Deborah Ackerman sent America the Beautiful for Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III - September 25, 2023
With our love and so many wonderful memories. Happy Trails, Hank. Kathy and Scott Lincoln Betty and Dr. Gene Hunt Debby Ackerman and John Lozier
Jean Kastanek sent America the Beautiful for Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III - September 25, 2023
You will be missed. Gene and Jean Kastanek and Family
Selena Copeland sent Sacred Duty Spray for Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III - September 18, 2023
Rest in Peace. You will be remembered always.
From Selena Copeland, Shawn and Wendy Copeland and Kim Sherman
With Distinction was sent for Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III - September 11, 2023
Donna Baker planted 5 trees in memory of Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III . - September 26, 2023
Nancy Heuman planted 5 trees in memory of Henry "Hank" Olin Copeland III . - September 11, 2023
Hank taught me a lot. He was awesome I love him and Selena been a long time. Sad to hear this just decided today to look him up and learned this had happened. Time is something I took for granted I should have stopped by a visited my old time friend when I was in town. Thank you for the knowledge in horses and life you shared with me. Till next time my dear friend. Selena my prayers are with you and your family along with Hank and his. Take care your friend Chris.
A true American Patriot. His love of life and compassion for animals was inspirational. Our TTPA elf. What a whit! We love you Hank!
Hank will be dearly missed. May He rest - Acts 24:15
The first time I met Hank was many years ago before Hank and Selena were married. I met Selena through TTPA and I talk to her about finding someone that could help me with my horses. Of course she introduced me to Hank. I never met a more honest person with so much energy and knowledge of horses. Hank made such a difference in helping learn about horsemanship. I was to fortunate that our paths had crossed. I recall Hank telling me how special Selena was to him. So happy that they had a full and loving life together.
I loved Hank and his sassiness. He could come across a little crusty and then I'd watch him sneaking molasses cookies to the horses.
My Daddy sure loved meeting him and talking about the military and other stuff. It was a highlight of his visit to Texas.
Hank and Selena built a wonderful life together and I know Selena will carry on and make him proud.
I know he'll come riding up to meet me when I get to heaven.
Until then, love you like my Texas-Daddy, Mr. Hank!
Hank and Selena have been friends for 15 years. I contacted them to purchase a horse and learn the sport of endurance riding. Ultimately it was Selena who showed me the horse I eventually purchase and still ride today. Through the years of competition and conversations with Hank, we grew as close as brothers. most conversations ended with "take care brother". Hank was a great encourager, unselfish with his time. I pray daily that peace and comfort will fill the hearts of Selena and the Copeland family.
Blessed are those of us who knew him. His uncanny ability to turn strangers into friends and neighbors into family is something that will live on beyond his physical existence. Thanks you for so many wonderful stories and your presence will be missed.
Hank and Selena bought the land in front of my house and made it a neighborhood. From the weekly dinners at Casa Torres, rescuing a neighbors horses when we had a fire or just being a kind friend. He always had a twinkle in his eyes. Never knew if he was pulling my leg or just knew more than I knew. Though I have moved far away and cannot get back for the funral( recent knee replacement) my heart and tears are with you.
I only met Hank once when Shawn and I stopped in to visit him while on a business trip together. To say he and I hit it off is an understatement. You would have thought we had known each other for years! Even though he was busy, he walked me through all the horse stalls, barns and out buildings and was so attentive while proudly giving me a tour of the entire property. He was an interesting, impressive "man's man" for sure. My condolences and sympathy to the entire family. God bless you all.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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