We regret to share with you the passing of retired Brother Gary Copper on May 2, 2023.
Gary had started with American Airlines in 1980, Aviation Maintenance Technician Machinist and many years as a Crew Chief. Gary Retired in 2020.
Please keep the Copper family in your thoughts and prayers.
Gary Copper Obituary
Gary Lee Copper
June 13, 1960 – May 2, 2023
Gary Lee Copper took the hand of Jesus and left for eternal life on May 2, 2023.
He left peacefully with family and friends by his side. Gary suffered from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor.
Gary was born on June 13, 1960, in Osage, Iowa. He was raised on a family farm north of Marion, Iowa. Gary was the 5th of 11 siblings. Gary always had a love and passion for art and history. In his younger years, he could be found drawing WWI and WWII air battles and building model aircraft, each piece meticulously painted with exquisite detail. Gary also had a passion for wrestling. He wrestled for Linn Mar High School and placed at state competitions.
In his later years, Gary moved to Tulsa, OK and was employed at American Airlines in tool and dye. He remained at American Airlines for 38 years, most of which were served as a crew chief. Gary had a love for traveling and experiencing new places and cultures. It was this wanderlust that led him to travel all over the world. He even climbed to the top of the Swiss Alps. He owned and operated Euro-Mart, a European grocery and gift store serving much of the European and Russian community in Tulsa. Gary had a love for cycling that inspired him to bike much of the Oklahoma landscape. He even returned home to Iowa to complete RAGBRAI, a well-known seven-day, 500-mile cycling event. Gary had a great love for the city of Tulsa and the fine arts of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. He was an avid supporter of & Moons Ballet, a ballet program for Native American dancers. Every year he would buy ballet slippers for each new student entering the program. Gary was also an annual contributor to the Tulsa Symphony, Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Zoo, and the Tulsa Aquarium. He also loved to research investment strategies and collect artifacts of interest throughout his travels.
Gary is survived by: Zane (Brooklyn) James, Claremore, OK; Jean Atkinson, Marion, IA; Bill (Lorrie) Copper, Marion, IA; Laurie Copper, Marion, IA; Donald Copper, Marion, IA; Connie Render, Cedar Rapids, IA; Joan (Vem) Copper, Cedar Rapids, Judy (Kevin) Reilly, Cedar Rapids, IA Dorothy (Hector) Copper, Turpin, OK; Audrey (Mike) Elledge, Tulsa, OK; and David (Dale) Tallmadge, Dallas, GA. Nieces and Nephews: Lon (Mellissa) Copper, Zared, Alyssa, Brittany (Cody), Derek (Bree), Brian, and Stephen (Lori). Grand-nieces and nephews: Hagan, Taygen, Elijah, Tiberius, Dovie, and Huxleigh.
Preceding him in death are: Robert and Pauline Copper (parents), Ardis Copper (sister), and Raymond Copper (brother).
In Tulsa, a Service will be held at Roots Church 10198 E. Admiral Place at 4 p.m., Saturday, May, 13.
Donations may be made to the family to continue Gary’s support and love for the Fine Arts of Tulsa.
A very special thank you to the “A-Team” for going above and beyond while caring for Gary. Josh, Treba, Danielle, Gena, Steve, Tracy, Brittany, also Mike, Dorothy, Connie, Jean, Audrey, Bill, and Season’s Hospice. Gary was so well cared for thanks to you, you’re the best. www.moorefuneral.com.
Published by Tulsa World on May 9, 2023.