Marcus Coley Copeland

Marcus Coley Copeland, age 77, of Crockett, Texas, peacefully passed away on the morning of March 8, 2025, at the Central Texas Veterans Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Born on March 29, 1947, in Big Spring, Texas, 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 loving 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 coming from his aunt and uncle, Penny and Chares Copeland.

At just 17 years old, on April 1, 1964, Marcus joined the United States Army, embarking on a journey that would see 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.

Following his military service, Marcus worked alongside his uncle Charlie in Tow, Texas, during the 1980s, contributing to the drilling of water wells and the construction of metal storage buildings. In later years, he found fulfillment working as a ranch hand in the areas of Grapeland and Crockett, Texas.

Marcus is preceded in death by his parents and his loyal companion, a service dog named Rusty. He is fondly remembered by his cousin, who was like a brother to him, Charles Copeland and his wife, Karen, along with his nephew, Steve Bartok, his wife Corinne, and their children, Sean and Morgan.

Though Marcus faced many challenges throughout his life, he remained steadfastly faithful and loyal to his family and friends. He will be lovingly laid to rest in the Bartok-Copeland family plot at Oak Hill Cemetery, forever remembered for his resilience and devotion.