David Jules Copmann
July 10, 1942 – April 22, 2026

David Jules Copmann passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 83. 
He was born on July 10, 1942, in Stillwater, OK, to Chester and Josie Copmann.
Dave is survived by his wife, Darla Copmann; his children, Steve Copmann and Cindy Hodges (Mark Hodges); his sisters, Annie Lynch and Patti Brown; and four amazing grandchildren: Parker Copmann (Karli), Hannah Copmann, Tony Martinez (Rachel), and Miranda Martinez.
Dave and Darla shared a wonderful life together. High school sweethearts who met at Holy Spirit Youth Group in Colorado Springs, they were together for 67 years and married for 62 years.
As the son of an Army Colonel, Dave spent much of his early life traveling the world, living in Germany, Okinawa, and throughout the United States. He often spoke fondly of summers spent with his grandfather on a lake near Bemidji, MN, where fishing stories and family memories became treasured parts of his life.
Dave graduated from Watson High School in 1960 and later attended Oklahoma State University, majoring in business management. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force.
Throughout his life, Dave built a diverse and successful career in management. His work included helping build and run a concrete plant, working in management at a coal mine in Hanna, WY, working in management at a gold mine in Elko, NV, and working as a manager for an international aggregate company named Aggregate Industries in Denver, CO. One of the company’s notable projects included the distinctive red asphalt in front of Buckingham Palace. He often flew between the US and Britain with this company.
Family adventures were a big part of Dave’s life. During his years in Wyoming, countless memories were made camping in the Medicine Bow National Forest with a rebuilt Apache crank-up trailer that always seemed to have a mind of its own. Colorful adjectives were typically heard during the set-up process, that was hastened along by knowing that the food and beer were inside. Fishing trips were filled with laughter, stories, and great food. Dave had an unconventional but effective method of fly fishing with a worm. “Sneak up through the trees and drop the worm in the perfect spot”, he would say. Most often, he would end up catching a brookie. Those simple days became treasured family memories. Occasionally, he and his family would have “family invasions” in various towns, typically Salt Lake City, UT. This included many family members converging in one spot to laugh, eat good food, and enjoy each other. 
Dave was a passionate amateur radio operator whose love for Ham Radio lasted a lifetime. Whether installing antennas, routing wires, or talking with people around the world, electronics was his favorite hobby. Every family vehicle—usually a station wagon with wood panel decals—was outfitted with multiple antennas, making the family look like undercover agents. 
Dave’s shirt pockets were famously packed with screwdrivers, wrenches, pen knives, pens, notecards, and gadgets worthy of Inspector Gadget himself. His family will never forget the time a paper clip accidentally shorted a 9-volt battery in his pocket, prompting the unforgettable exclamation: “I smell something burning. OUCH! My boob is on fire!”
Family road trips were legendary adventures, often resembling scenes from a Chevy Chase Vacation movie, as Dave drove a station wagon and trailer across the country to destinations including the Redwoods, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Yellowstone, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 to southern California. At home, he could usually be found in his “Ham Shack” working with electronics or in the garage repairing cars. While living in Wyoming, he also owned an electronics repair business, fixing the electronic devices for the people of the town.
After retirement, Dave and Darla spent six wonderful years traveling the country in their big motorhome, enjoying summers in the northern states and winters in the south. One autumn, when asked where they were, Dave casually replied, “Sitting in Maine waiting for the trees to change colors.” Together, they built a life full of adventure, companionship, and love. 
Dave was a kind, humble, and hardworking man who earned the respect of the people around him. He was always willing to lend a hand, devoted to providing a good life for his family, and serving as a steady, fair, and loving role model for his children and grandchildren. His humor, wisdom, and ability to fix anything will be deeply missed by all who loved him.