Melvin James Copeland

Melvin James Copeland, 73 years, of Topeka passed away September 8th, 2026.

He was born February 7th, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Wesley Alexander and Naomi Edith (Chatham) Copeland.

Melvin was a 1971 graduate of Topeka High School and attended Kaw Area Vocational School for Welding, Local 165 (now Local 441) Apprenticeship 5-year school, Carrier HVAC training at KU University and multiple other Mechanical training programs. He was President of Young’s Inc. and later worked for P1 Mechanical Contractors until retiring in 2019.

He was a 53-year proud member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union. He served on multiple committees including Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas, The joint Apprentice Committee, Trustee on Local 441 Health and Welfare plan and Trustee of 441 401k Plan.

Melvin married Sharon Ann Young on July 15th, 1972, in Topeka, she survives. Other survivors include his son, Kenneth James Copeland (Lura) of Shawnee, KS; two Grandchildren Clayton Gilliland and Karli Gilliland; three siblings Randy Copeland, Joanna Bayless and Shirley Wheeler, all of Topeka, as well as 27 nieces and nephews, 5 great-nieces and nephews, and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Carrie Ann Gilliland in 2011; three sisters; Jane Greene, Isla Hada, Linda Wheeler, and brother, Charles Copeland.

Melvin loved not only his immediate family but extended family, he had a soft heart and would help anyone that needed it, including employees and friends. It gave him great pride to see people grow and become successful. He put others needs before of own. His mother once said, “If Melvin had 10cents, and 10 friends, they all had a penny.”

He loved golf, cooking, finding new recipes, fine-dining, fishing, travel, and loved his occupation- he always said- “You can’t call it work, because I love it.”

Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place at 3:00PM on Monday, September 14th, 2026 at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, KS, 66604.

The service will be live streamed and will begin 10 minutes before service time. To register to watch the live stream, please visit the following link: Melvin Copeland Memorial Live Stream Service

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude, Grace Point Church, or a charity of choice.

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