David Wesley Copple, Sr.

David Wesley Copple, Sr., longtime Pawhuska resident, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2011 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City at the age of seventy-one. David was born in Malta, Montana on November 20, 1939; the son of Charles Dewey and Mary (Simpson) Copple. David was raised and attended school in the Malta area, located on the high plains of Montana; where the past meets the futureÖ.of cowboys, outlaws, Plains Indians and dinosaurs. While residing there, David learned and lived the life of being a ranch cowboy and obtaining a passion for the great outdoors. It was during this time that he also inherited his love for animals of all kinds. Shortly after completion of his education, David was inducted into the service of his country, serving honorably in the United States Army. Upon completion of his military service, David returned to Montana for a short time where he resumed working on a ranch and participating in rodeos. David later moved to Oklahoma where he worked as a jockey in the horse racing business in Stroud and Oklahoma City. In January of 1964, he met and was later married to Lola Harris to On March 22, 1964. The couple later moved to Montana where David continued working in the ranching business in the winter months and then entering rodeos in the summer. They later moved to South Dakota when David accepted employment painting underground missile silos. On March 9, 1966 David was seriously injured in an automobile accident receiving significant spinal cord injuries. He was sent to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee where he underwent rehabilitation treatment. Upon returning to Oklahoma the couple moved to Okmulgee where David attended Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology for two years. While residing in Okmulgee, Lola and David operated the Coppleís CafÈ there. In 1969, David and Lola moved their family to California and settled in Ventura where they opened and ran a dog grooming business for nearly ten years. They returned to Pawhuska in 1979 and have made their home their together until the time of Davidís passing. David was an avid Country and Western music fan; he especially enjoyed Alan Jackson. Although he was partially paralyzed as a result of the accident in 1966, David had a never give up attitude and could accomplish almost anything he attempted. He spent countless hours rolling newspaper tightly so as to make logs and then would construct log cabins from them. He also enjoyed working on cars in his spare time repairing the engines or whatever needed fixing. His passion throughout his life were animals, he loved dogs and was always taking in strays trying to find homes for them. He was described by his family as a loving and kindhearted husband, father and grandfather that enjoyed spending time with them; he was also a tad bit stubborn but was Lolaís Little Montana Cowboy. David is survived by his wife, Lola of the home; son and his wife, William F. and Brittany Copple of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; daughter, Crystal Angel Copple of Pawhuska; two grandsons, Sean and Wyatt Copple of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; two brothers, Charles Copple of Glasgow, Montana and William Copple of Saco, Montana; and a sister, Ilene Pekovitch of Saco, Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David Wesley Copple, Jr. and Mitchell Wade Copple; and a sister, Margaret Anderson. A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at the Pawhuska City Cemetery with Bruce Hendren officiating. Burial will under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.