DouglasCoppinger

Douglas Coppinger, born July 17, 1921 to Julia and Howard Coppinger in Sunset near Quinlan, Hunt County and died March 11, 2013 in Arlington. He was raised on the farm with his three brothers and two adopted cousins. After high school, Douglas enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he trained and then served as a mechanic of P-47 Thunderbolt fighters during World War II. His service during the Battle of the Bulge earned him several awards including the Bronze Star. His cartoons of life on the base during wartime are displayed in the WWII museum in Sint Truiden, Belgium. After the war, he continued his career in aviation, working for both commercial and private aircraft firms. An exemplary employee, Douglas never needed to apply for a job as he was always sought after. In 1988, he retired as Director of Quality Controls with KC Aviation in Dallas, where he made his home. Douglas is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Duward and Harry and cousin Bill Shelton. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bea; brother Earl; daughter Glonda Haston of Arlington, her son Zachary, wife Pam and six great grandchildren; son Stan Coppinger and wife Mary of Austin and their children Kingsley and Juliet. He will be missed by all who knew this very good man. Douglas attended Royal Haven Baptist Church in Dallas. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville.  Interment will follow at Wieland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.