Keith Edwards Copeland, age 85, of Saint Robert, Missouri passed away on November 1, 2025, at Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Health Care, following a long battle with cancer.
He was born on February 2, 1940, in Raymondville, Missouri, son of Carlos F. and Virginia (Edwards) Copeland. Keith was united in marriage to Alberta June Terrill in 1963, and had three sons: Bryan, Kevin, and Steven.
He spent his early youth as a hardworking farmer, horseman, and carpenter. As a young adult, he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Southwest Missouri State University. To pursue his dream of being an aviator, he joined the United States Army and was commissioned after graduation.
Upon displaying exceptional proficiency, he became a founding member of a new Army air ambulance team, as a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopter pilot, in an elite company known as “Dustoff”. This detachment became widely recognized for successful high-risk extractions in combat zones, in-flight medical care, high survival rate, and for being the 170th honored recipient of the rare Congressional Gold Medal.
Through expertise in aviation and logistics, he became a flight instructor and eventually hospital commander at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He gave 28 years of military service, including tours in Korea, Vietnam and Europe, and retired in 1991 as Lieutenant Colonel, with extensive and high commendations too numerous to mention.
He continued his public service as the health administrator for Laclede County, Missouri before retiring to focus care on his wife, Alberta.
Keith was a devoted and loving spouse, caretaker, and father. He enjoyed service to the church, teaching, volunteering, and donating. Throughout his life, he maintained his passion for carpentry and craftsmanship, creating endless furniture and toys which he often gave away.
Keith is survived by two sons, Kevin and Steven, his grandchildren Connor, Autrey, and Anna, his brothers Clinton, and Danny, and his sister Dorothy Bobbitt.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife Alberta, his son Bryan, his parents Carlos and Virgina, and his sisters Gloria Doss and LaVonne Justice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to donate.cancer.org <http://donate.cancer.org>.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.