Edward Copple, 95, passed away at his home in Lincoln on November 29, 2018. He was born in Walton, Nebraska on January 9, 1923, the son of Tekla and Sumner Copple. The family moved to Lincoln during the Great Depression in the mid 1930s. Ed completed high school in Lincoln, and enrolled at the University of Nebraska, College of Business Administration. He was a four year letterman in wrestling at UNL.
Ed’s studies at UNL were interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the Air force where he attended and graduated from the Pilot Training Academy. He was awarded the Outstanding Aviation Cadet medal upon graduation. Ed flew the B25 and B26 twin engine bombers until the day the war ended. During his time in the Air Force Ed developed a loved for aviation. He logged more than 3000 hours as a pilot in his beloved “V Tail” Beechcraft airplanes. Many of these flights were back and forth from the family “Cabin” in Estes Park, Colorado.
Ed was the president of Copple Insurance Agency in Lincoln from 1952 until the time of his death. He loved the insurance business and he cared deeply about the people who worked at the agency.
Ed created, managed and owned West Gate Bank during the 1970’s, and sold it in 1980. Ed created and developed many neighborhoods in Lincoln, including Cripple Creek and Colonial Hills.
He served on the Lincoln School Board for 8 years where he served as president in 1967; was Chairman of the Board at First-Plymouth Church; and represented the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska at their annual meeting in Washington DC for 10 years. Ed also served as president of the YMCA for many years.
Ed married Mary Helen Sinclair on June 27, 1948 and to this union four children were born. Ed and Mary enjoyed 69 years of amazing love and happiness together and provided a wonderful home filled with unconditional love for their children and grandchildren.
Ed and Mary were generous philanthropists giving many substantial contributions to the YMCA, the First-Plymouth Church and the Lincoln Public Schools, including the Student Athlete Development Center at Seacrest Field and the new “Copple Family YMCA” in southeast Lincoln. One of Ed’s proudest moments was when he and Mary received the distinguished “Charity Award” from the Lincoln Community Foundation in 2012.
Ed was a loving and generous father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was respected by his employees and friends. He will be sorely missed by his family, his employees and friends.
Ed is survived by his sons, Ken Copple (fiancé Kathy Casper) and Jim Copple, and his daughter-in-law Rory Copple. Ed had five grandchildren: Keenan Copple (married to Phil Hanceford), Caitlin Routzahn (Married to Gabe Routzahn), Zach Copple (Miki Comrie), Amanda Copple and William Edward Copple (married to Alissa Copple). Ed also had five great grandchildren: Zeke Routzahn, Evelyn Routzahn, Hazel Hanceford, Sawyer Copple and Daughtry Mary Copple. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and son Scott Copple.
Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to: First-Plymouth Church or Copple Family YMCA c/o Roper and Sons Funeral Services. Please send cards/letters to Roper and Sons, 4300 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510.