Douglas Alan Copeland was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, on October 17, 1960. He was the first of four sons born to Leonard and Carolyn Perdue Copeland and grew up on the family farm northeast of Kingfisher.

Doug began his education at Big Four and graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1978. He attended Oklahoma State University for one year before pursuing his love of playing baseball at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. He studied to become a teacher and coach and later graduated from Central State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in History Education.

Doug loved sports, music, and spending time with his brothers. He cherished farm life and working with animals, but his greatest passion was baseball and softball. He played every chance he got, beginning with Little League and continuing through American Legion baseball. His love of softball began with the Kingfisher church softball league and continued wherever there was a team willing to let him play.

Doug's dream of teaching and coaching was tragically cut short on February 21, 1986, when a farming accident left him a quadriplegic. His accident, however, did not keep him from enjoying the things he loved. He continued to attend church and was a devoted supporter of all the activities of his nieces and nephews. Doug always had a smile and did his best to make the most of his circumstances. He was also known for his willingness to help others. If someone needed help with research or finding information, Doug was always happy to take the time to use the internet to look it up and share what he found.

Doug was a lifelong member of Kingfisher First United Methodist Church, where he was active in both the youth and adult Bible study groups.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Copeland. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn and his brothers Greg and wife Shari Copeland, Mike and wife Donna Copeland, and Steven and wife Nichole Copeland. His nieces Stevie Cody and husband Zach, Nicole Bush and husband Peter, and Megan Belcher and husband Josh, and nephews Austin and Aaron Copeland. He also had 3 great-nephews and 1 great-niece.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Thursday, September 24th at the First United Methodist Church in Kingfisher, followed by interment in the Kingfisher Cemetery, under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Doug's honor to Kingfisher First United Methodist Church, PO Box 165, Kingfisher, OK 73750.