Kerman L Copeland

Kerman L. Copeland, 78, Burlington, Iowa, passed from this life into the next on May 27, 2023.  He leaves behind his wife, Carol (nee Cullen); three sons; Ross (Melissa) of Mediapolis, Kevin (Tabitha) of Burlington, and James of Cedar Rapids. He also is survived by granddaughters, Grace and Courtney of Burlington; two sisters; Katherine Crow of Mediapolis, and Karen Gittings of Wapello; one brother, Keith (Connie) Copeland of Wellman; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Kerman was born Sept. 11, 1944, to Kenneth L. and Edith M. (Anderson) Copeland. They and brothers-in-law: Dean Crow and Bernard (Buck) Gittings, nephews: Brent Crow, Joshua Avery and Christopher Copeland passed prior to Kerman.  

Kerman graduated from Mediapolis Community School in 1962.  He served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966. While he was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base, he met and married his wife. After his discharge, they moved back to Mediapolis. Kerm (Red) worked at the IAAP as a plumber/pipefitter for eight years, and then went into construction as a 50 year member of Local 212; now Local 125.

Kerm served as Yellow Spring Township Trustee from 1990 until 2008 when he and Carol moved to Burlington. He was chairman of the local Democrat party for several years and was honored with the Hall of Fame Award in 2015. Kerman was a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. He was a Life Member of the American Legion and the NRA. He spent over 52 years working fundraisers for Ducks Unlimited and he and his family enjoyed many trips to their national conventions. Kerman received the Jay Neubauer Award in 2016.  He was known as “The Photographer” for DU and Democrat events and was named Grumpy Goldeneye #1.  He loved his family and especially doted on his granddaughters. He appreciated all the friends who called and sent cards while he was struggling with his disease.  

His body has been entrusted to Prugh Funeral Home and will be cremated per his request.

Visitation will be June 2, 2023 from noon until 6:00PM. Funeral services will be held at Prugh Funeral Home at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Pastor Dean Graber will conduct the service, with full Military Honors rendered by the Burlington Area Honor Guard. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, Kerman would appreciate donations to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House or the Southeast Iowa Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

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