Don Copas 1942 - 2024

COPAS, SKARIN

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 8/9/2024 at 16:49:47

Sioux City Journal
3 August 2024

Don Copas

Murrieta, California, formally of Sioux City, Iowa

Don Copas passed into his eternal home on June 21, 2024, at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta, California. He was surrounded by family. Memorial Services will take place at Heartland Community Church on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 7:00pm with Pastor Gene Stockton.

Don was born October 16, 1942, to Orville Beryl and Ada Vera Copas in Denver Colorado. After the war, his family moved to Nebraska where Don's values were cemented, and a piece of his heart forever remained. Homecoming King and athletic standout at Lincoln Northeast High School, he went on to become a lifelong Husker and N Club member, graduating from UNL in 1965. His education did not stop there. He went on to receive MA degrees from USD in Physical Education and School Counseling.

Don spent 40 plus years of his life devoted to kids in both Lincoln and Sioux City as a physical education teacher and successful football, tennis, and swimming coach. Awards and achievements he received include the Lincoln NE HS Sports Hall of Fame, UNL N Club, Iowa Swim Coach 25 Year Service Award, 35-year Swim Coaches Award, and a declaration welcoming him as an Admiral in the Great State of Nebraska Navy signed by childhood friend and then NE Governor Ben Nelson.

The only thing Don loved more than serving kids in our educational communities was serving his Lord Jesus Christ and his family. He married the love of his life and best friend, Kay Skarin Deakins in 1992. Don was a stellar dad and grandpa well known for his unconditional love and faithfulness. Together, they were blessed with a blended family who loved each other as Don loved them.

Left to mourn Don are his wife Kay and their children: Shawna (Terry) Mueller of Murrieta CA, Nick (Angela) Copas and Kyndra (Josh) Callender of Sioux City, John (Amber) Deakins of Murrieta CA, and Anthony Copas of Menifee CA, along with Grandchildren, Kate Mueller, Isha Callender, Noah, Elijah, and Amelia (Millz) Deakins, Donald Beryl II and Michael Copas. Sister-in-law Patty Whitlock and her children, Brother in-law Robert (Cathy) Skarin and their children.

Preceding him in death were his parents Beryl and Vera Copas, in-laws Boyd and Florence Skarin, sister Kathleen Sue, daughter Summer Deakins, brother-in-law Patrick Whitlock, nephew David Whitlock, best forever friend Mickey Olson, and too many faithful human and furry or feathered friends to mention.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family or to Heartland Community Church in Sioux City IA.