Ray Copman

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Ray Copman, 87, of Advance passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at his home.

He was born May 13, 1935, in Advance, son of Ed and Emma Magg Copman.

Ray was a farmer 50 years, worked at Morgan Furniture Store in Advance 30 years, worked 25 years for the city of Advance and four years at Mingo. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Advance.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Ray and Annabel Westbrook dated eight years before uniting in marriage Sept. 30, 1973, at Advance.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Randy (Sue) Watkins of Bonne Terre, Mo., Gary (Tammy) Watkins of Rockview, Mo., Jimmy (Nanette) Watkins of Bothell, Wash.; a daughter, Gala Deckard of Advance; two sisters, Dolly Lands and Aileen Surface of Delta; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

The funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the chapel, with the Rev. Kyle Carter officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, with full military rites.