Marcus Coley Copeland, 77, of Crockett died on the morning of March 8, 2025, at Central Texas Veterans Hospital in Temple.
Born on March 29, 1947 in Big Spring, Marcus was the son of the late Monroe W. Copeland and Rosezena Smart, a proud member of the Comanche Nation.
His early years were spent in Montana, where he was raised by his aunt Billie and uncle Wayne. Marcus returned to Big Spring in the early 1950s to be raised by his father Monroe and stepmother Alice, with significant familial influence also from his aunt and uncle, Penny and Charles Copeland.
At age 17, on April 1, 1964, Marcus joined the United States Army, embarking on a journey that saw him trained as a medic at Fort Sam Houston. His service took him to Germany and subsequently to Vietnam, where he served as a combat medic with the 1st Infantry Division.
After his military service, Marcus worked alongside his uncle Charlie in Tow, Texas, during the 1980s, helping drill water wells and constructing metal storage buildings. In later years, he worked as a ranch hand in the areas of Grapeland and Crockett.
Marcus was preceded in death by his parents and his loyal companion, a service dog named Rusty.
He is remembered by his cousin, Charles Copeland, and wife Karen; and his nephew, Steve Bartok, wife Corinne, and their children Sean and Morgan.
Though Marcus faced many challenges throughout his life, he remained loyal to his family and friends.
He will be laid to rest in the Bartok-Copeland family plot at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel has charge of arrangements.
