Harry R. Copeland passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the age of 95. He was born in Huntington Park, California. He graduated from high school and attended University of California, Berkeley with a degree in business and accounting.
He enlisted in the Air Force when the Korean War started and became a Navigator and bombardier on a B-26 bomber. On one flight, the plane was damaged, resulting in no communication to and from the base. However, Harry chose a flight path that in resulted in their safe flight to home base. For this, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He later became a pilot and flew KC-97 refueling planes. He left the Air Force after eight and a half years and became a CPA.
He had an office in Santa Paula for many years.
Harry is survived by his wife, of 65 years, Elisabeth, his son Thomas and grandson Chance, nephews Michael and Richard Copeland and cousin Cecilia Phillips. He was preceded in death by his daughter Catherine Anne Copeland.
Family and friends are invited to a visiting hour to be held on Monday afternoon, January 29, 2024 beginning at 12:00 noon in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura, where chapel services will follow in the Funeral Home's Chapel at 1pm. Interment with military honors will then immediately follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.