Raymond Carlton Copening
Raymond Carlton Copening, passed away peacefully October 23, 2021 with family members by his side in Wichita Falls, Texas.
A “Family Night” will be held November 5, 2021 at Dutton Funeral Home located in Iowa Park, Texas from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and all friends are invited. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 PM on November 6, 2021 at Dutton Funeral Home. Following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery located in Iowa Park, Texas.
Ray “Carlton” Copening was born November 27, 1935 in Honey Grove, Texas to Raymond and Marie Copening. Ray enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. He served in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor, The Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Air Medal. Ray also served in the Dominican Republic with the 82nd Airborne Division. Ray served most of his military career as a member of America’s elite Airborne forces. In addition to the above mentioned awards, Ray also was a Master Rated Parachutist. First Sergeant Copening retired from active duty on June 1, 1975. His last assignment was in the capacity of ROTC Instructor at Midwestern State University.
Ray and his wife, Nell owned and operated City Café in Iowa Park for many years and enjoyed visiting with all his customers. His customers were his friends and they always felt welcome in the café. He worked alongside long-time employees Faith, Iris, Dawn and Dot. In addition to running the café, Ray could be found hunting or fishing around the surrounding area. One of his favorite sayings regarding turkey hunting was “If you can’t get two with one shot, you are doing it wrong”.
Several years ago, Ray caught what at that time was a Texas State record for crappie, and when asked what he did with it, he replied, “We ate that bad boy”. In his later years, he could often be found across the river with his friend and brother-in-law Jim Thompson enjoying the Oklahoma gaming.
Mr. Copening is survived by his brother, Lee “Bo” Copening of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Rayetta Falls of Honey Grove, Texas, three sons : Steven Copening, Roger Hamilton, Perry Hamilton and 2 daughters: Carla Copening and Brenda Hamilton; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Nell Copening; his son, Glenn Hamilton; and daughter, Robinn Jill Maples.
The family requests any donations be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
