Roll Call Tribute

Don Wilson Copley, Sr. 

February 20, 1939 - January 20, 2024 

Don Wilson Copley, Sr., 84, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was born in Lubbock, Texas to Alexander Wilson and Emma Dee Copley. He was reared in Muleshoe, Texas. He and his twin sister, LaVon Copley Calkins were extremely close sharing everything growing up, including getting into trouble together under the watchful eye of their older sister, Doris Carpenter. He and his twin sister were gifted musicians. They frequently gave recitals together.

Don graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He proudly served in the United States Air Force flying air transport planes during the Vietnam conflict, after which he worked his entire career for Northwest Orient Airlines as a pilot. He finished his career flying as a 747 Captain.

Don met his wife, Patsy, in Muleshoe, Texas. They both loved the Lord when they met. They walked faithfully together and served Him for their 62 years of marriage. He was a dedicated and loving father always providing for his family. Throughout his entire life, he quietly shared his love for Jesus Christ leading many people to the Lord. We are confident that he is now in our Lord’s presence hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ruth (Anthony) Copley; son, Don Wilson Copley, Jr.; daughter, Patricia DeAnn Copley; grandson, Zachariah Copley and his wife Christina (Albances) Copley; granddaughters, Rachael, Sarah, and Bethany Copley; and twin sister, LaVon Calkins and her husband Robert Calkins. He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Copley; mother, Emma Dee Copley; and sister Doris Carpenter.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East Louisville, 12900 Shelbyville Rd in Louisville, Kentucky. All are welcome to join a celebration of life and a brief time of prayer at 1:30 P.M. at the Funeral Home during the visitation. Burial to be at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central at a later date.