Bobby H. Copeland, 73, of Hutchinson, died July 14, 2011, at his home. He was born Feb. 27, 1938, at Joplin, Mo., the son of Bert and Zana Chubb Copeland.
He graduated from Joplin High School in 1956, and immediately entered the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, he served on the U.S.S. Manley. He moved to Hutchinson in 1972, and worked as a commercial construction carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenters Local #201 and the Hutchinson-Reno Masonic Lodge #124, A.F. & A.M. Bobby attended the Walnut and Campbell Church of Christ.

Bobby married Marilyn Risley Georges on Oct. 15, 1974, in Miami, Okla. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Jim Copeland; three daughters, Jody Barnett, Jacky Rock, and Janey Copeland, all of Hutchinson; four sisters, Norma Helton of Joplin, Mo., Nancy Helton of Deer Park, Texas., Marguariete Deems of Sand Springs, Okla., and Carolyn Lee of Joplin, Mo.; 13 grandchildren, Joshua Barnett, Andrew Barnett, Jordan Copeland, Matthew Copeland, Dustin Rock, Brandon Copeland, Shane Copeland, Zachary Copeland, Brandi Hemphill, Ashley Hoefer, Brittany Barnett, Destiny Rock, and Heather Copeland; and five great-grandchildren, Dayton, Natalie, and Dylan Hemphill, Gavin Barnett-Barr, and Breckyn Copeland. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Kenneth Copeland, David Copeland, and "Irish" John Copeland, a sister, Peggy Kellar, and a grandson, Christopher Copeland.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, with Jimmie Keas presiding. Inurnment will be at a later date at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Mo. A register may be signed at the funeral home Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and through service time on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to Bobby H. Copeland Memorial Fund, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary.