Earl Leon "BUTCH" Copeland, beloved Father and Brother, 70 of Denton passed away on Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Atrium Medical Center. He was born October 25, 1941 in Denton to Leon and Ellen (Lloyd) Copeland. He was self employed as a Mechanic in Denton for 30 years. He was married to Glenna Sprayberry on September 16, 1961 in Denton, and she passed away on August 16, 2002.

He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Julie and Michael Tribble of Denton, sons, Earl L. "Butch" Copeland, Jr of Sanger, Robert Copeland of Bridgeport, sister and brother in law Judy and Otis Bryom of Aubrey, Grandchildren, Curtis Copeland, Shannon Copeland, Kacy Copeland, Cody Copeland, McKenzie Tribble and Madison Tribble, Great Grandchildren, Austin Copeland, Baleigh Copeland, and Triston. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Iva Marie Taylor, Ellen Louise Bevins, and Sherry Ann Lantrip.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 P.M. Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Belew Cemetery in Aubrey, with Rev. Randy Snow, officiating. The family will be at the Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 705 . Locust, Denton on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 for visitation from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M.