Mark Joseph Copeland

Mark Joseph Copeland, affectionately known to many as "Duke”, or “Puppa”, departed this world suddenly, and unexpectedly on December 18, 2025, in Waco, Texas. His life is a testament to courage, strength, compassion, and unwavering love and support for his family and friends.

Born on January 16, 1960, in Oakland, California, to Mike and Geraldine Copeland. With his father’s service in the US Coast Guard, the family’s early years included time in Juneau, Alaska, before making their permanent home in Waco, Texas, when Duke was six years old. Duke spent his childhood in North Waco, surrounded by his siblings and a close-knit group of friends whose bonds endured throughout his life. He attended Saint Louis Catholic School and graduated from Reicher Catholic High School in 1978.

After graduation Duke pursued higher education at McLennan Community College and later earned a degree in drafting and design from TSTC. His career was influenced by his goodwilland strong work ethic, through which he held multiple leadership and management positions. Duke worked tirelessly to provide for his family over the decades and had begun to fully enjoy his retirement in 2023. He was a kind and charismatic individual, revered not only for his professionalism, but also for his jovial personality and selfless nature.

Duke was truly the life of the party. He loved tearing down the highway on his motorcycle, hitting the gun range with precision,bringing people together at family cookouts and gatherings,camping under the stars, and sharing hard-earned wisdom with family at his brother’s ranch. You could usually find him at the house, spinning his favorite Led Zeppelin records, sharing laughter over a cold Budweiser on the back patio with a few ofhis closest friends, Sandy Shofner, Johnny Pilgrim, Colt Butt, Chip Caruso, and Jim Jones. He was also a spirited competitor in fantasy football, and beloved little league baseball coach. Duke’s presence was magnetic and uplifting, creating joyful memories for those lucky enough to know him.

Devoted to his family, Duke spent countless evenings and weekends supporting his children’s hobbies, sports, and schoolwork. Raising a family with his wife, Carol, brought him profound happiness. Duke and his family constantly shared laughs, finding humor in just about any situation, no matter how inappropriate. He encouraged his son’s curiosity for learning the guitar and loved listening to Beau play both the acoustic and electric guitar. Always willing to lend an ear to a new song idea, or new song learned. Whether Beau was jamming in the garage with friends, or playing a show at a venue, even when he was tired after a long day at work, Duke was proud to listen. After the loss of his wife, Carol, in 2020 he really became a pillar of strength for his family. He was our rock, confidant, and best friend. Duke was a superhero in Sarah’s eyes. Although always a daddy’s girl, they grew especially close to one another over the last 5 years speaking daily for hours about anything and everything. He found immense joy in time spent with his grandson, Liam Goff. He was the proudest and most involved grandfather, playing an active role in Liams day to day life. From helping with homework to helping coach his little-league baseball teams, to going on camping trips and having sleepovers, running errands together, or grabbing a burger at Kim’s after school. They went together like peanut butter and jelly.

Duke was greeted in heaven by his wife, Carol Claridy Copeland, whom he missed dearly; his parents, brother Brian Copeland, and several in-laws whom he cared for deeply.

Duke is survived by his beloved children, Sarah Copeland and Mike DiCorte, Beau Copeland and Heather Daily; his cherished grandson, Liam Goff; aunts, Patsy Copeland Coffman, Betty Copeland Elliot; and his siblings, Wayne Copeland and wife Susie, Linda Gradel and husband Kenneth, and Keith Copeland and wife Carol. He will be greatly missed by his beloved pet and best friend, Ramona, who thinks they should have been listed first. He was surrounded by numerous nieces and nephews, neighbors, and lifelong friends who will carry his memory forward- they know who they are!

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the chapel at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium, located at 8220 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712. A celebration of his life will be planned for a future date.

As we remember Duke, we honor a man whose spirit was as strong as his love for others, whose laughter could fill any room, and whose impact on those fortunate enough to have known him will be felt for generations.