Obituary of Charles Ray Copple

Charles (Chuck) Ray Copple, 79, passed away on January 18, 2024, at his residence. Born September 21, 1944, in Ashland, KS to the late James Dwight Copple Sr. and Joyce Miller Copple, he was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and coworker. Charles grew up in Cold Water, KS graduating from Winfield High School in 1962 and University of Central Oklahoma University earning a Bachelor of Science in 1969. Charles served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1971 and was an expert in riflery and certified radio operator. His love of flying led him to become a licensed recreational pilot where he delighted his daughter doing stall spins and upside-down loops. Adventurous throughout his life, he also enjoyed snow skiing in the Colorado Rockies and teaching his daughters to water ski in the lakes of Texas. He saw much of the southwestern United States on his Gold Wing motorcycle and cut loose at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He was an avid salt-water fisherman, creating some whopper fish stories originating from boating in the Gulf of Mexico. He became a certified diver with over 50 dives exploring the waters of the Bahamas, Mexico, Belize and even the Living Seas of Epcot in Disney World. Charles worked in many different careers throughout his life including sales at the Dallas Apparel Mart, school bus driver, bus driver for the Parks at the Grand Canyon, as well as ride operator at Dollywood. The position bringing the most joy into his life was at Disney World in Florida. As a resort bus driver, he loved helping the happy families navigate the parks. He found his own “second family” within the Minnie Van group where he continued making magic for guests transporting throughout Disney World property. He was loved and appreciated by his co-workers and managers for his kind thoughtfulness. Charles created many happy memories at Disney World with his work family, as well as his daughters and their families. After moving to Florida, he finally settled his home at Lelynn RV Resort in Polk City Florida where he was known to his neighbors as “Charlie”. As in his work life, he was also endeared as a “really nice man” in his community. Charles is preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Teri Donadic and Rebecca McCasland and husband Brian; grandchildren, Ethan McCasland and wife Casey, Zachary McCasland, Brianne McCasland, Corbin McCasland, and Quinn McCasland; Moriah Donadic, Michaela Donadic, great-grandchildren, Sarah McCasland, Jackson McFarland, and Aiden McCasland; Jessica Merrill and Christina Camacho and their families; brother, James Dwight Copple, Jr. and wife Roxanne; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family encourages memorial comments, stories, and pictures in lieu of a traditional funeral ceremony. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during our time of great loss.