Henry Copling

Henry Edward Copling, 87, of Cuba, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

On April 18, 1937, Henry was born to the union of Noah Alexander Copling and Rose Ellen (Warden) in St. Louis, Missouri.

Henry received his education in St. Louis and at Lick Creek during grade school; he would attend Jr. High in Rolla.

Henry was united in marriage to Bessie (Fulliam) until her passing in 1994 and together they would have their only child, Danny Copling who sadly passed away in 1980 due to complications of muscular dystrophy.

On June 3, 2000, Henry married the love of his life, Patsy (Higgins) in Sullivan, Missouri and together they shared a wonderful 24 years of marriage.

Henry pastored at the Rivers of Life Church in Steelville from 2007-2023. He was truly a living testimony God’s word, being sure to share the good word with all who would listen.

In his younger years, Henry was part of the Ozark Troubadours in the 60’s and 70’s, alongside Leroy Copling, Shannon Copling and his son, Danny, who played the drums despite his condition.

He began his working career at Briar Brothers Shoe Factory here in Cuba. He would later transition to working on T.V. and satellites with Dave Chymack. During his time with David, he would be involved in the implementation of the first cable system for the community of Steelville and eventually erecting the first T.V. tower in Steelville. Henry would be involved in many other installations around the Crawford County area. The immense knowledge gained from working with T.V.’s and satellites allowed Henry the opportunity to own and operate “Henry’s T.V. Sales & Service” out of the old Midway building located at the four-way intown for nearly 20 years. He was an authorized Magnavox dealer as well as the first in the area to contract with Magnavox to supply satellites in the area. Henry had a passion for city government which he began his career as alderman from 1988-1996, he would then take his leadership a step forward and became the Mayor of Cuba from 1996-1998 and then much later would serve again as alderman from 2011-2015. Henry was a talented woodworker, having created many pieces for him and Patsy’s home that are still being used today. Henry and Patsy loved doing all sorts of things together. When they weren’t campaigning for Henry, they would get away and travel to some of the most beautiful places such as Yellowstone National Park, Oklahoma and Colorado. They also had traveled several times to the National Quartet Convention in Kentucky. Henry lived a truly blessed life and gave all the thanks to God. Though he and Patsy didn’t have any children, they had plenty of honorary family members, especially with Henry’s side of the family being so large. It was always said that if you needed something fixed you called Uncle Henry. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Rose Copling; one son, Daniel “Danny” Copling; four brothers, Vernon Copling, Otis Copling, Ben Copling and Leroy Copling; seven sisters, Hazel Hayes, Ida Carkuff, Violet Blackmon, Bernice Hayes, Vivian Protte, Arti Eddleman and Arlie Kuhlman; his first wife, Bessie Copling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Patsy Copling of Cuba; grantchildren, Macey and Nate Paul of Washington; his beloved dog, Brownie; numerous nieces; nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; many other relatives and certainly many friends.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. also on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Mizell Funeral Home. Interment with graveside services will take place at Lick Creek Cemetery, in Cuba.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or The Gideons international.

Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba.