Arnold E. Copeland

Arnold Eugene Copeland, 91, of O'Fallon, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born October 30, 1933, in Vienna, Missouri, Arnold was the firstborn son of Harold and Della Copeland. Raised on a farm in rural Missouri, he learned early the values of hard work, responsibility and perseverance, caring for his younger siblings and tending to daily chores. Though those early years left little time for organized sports, Arnold was blessed with immense natural athletic talent, which he would later cultivate into an extraordinary life of achievement – on the field, in the classroom, and in his community.

Arnold graduated from Dixon High School in 1952, where he earned the nickname “Smiley” for reasons that were obvious to all who knew him. A gifted student-athlete, he participated in basketball, baseball, track and field. He also served as class vice president and secretary of the Future Farmers of America.

After high school, Arnold played one season as a first baseman for the minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He then pursued higher education at The University of Central Missouri, where he earned a degree in education while working on the college farm, milking cattle, and continuing his athletic pursuits. In 1954, he broke the University’s discus record with a throw of 137 feet, 7 ½ inches – a record that had stood since 1934.

Arnold began his teaching and coaching career with great passion, later earning a Master's degree in Education in 1962. His career took him to Brentwood High School in St. Louis, where he taught and coached and – fatefully – met fellow educator, Judy, with whom he had a spirited disagreement about a student’s grade. That disagreement blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and Arnold and Judy were married on December 23, 1966. They shared 58 years of love, family, and service together.

Arnold’s coaching journey continued at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where he helped launch the University’s first baseball team and served as assistant basketball coach. His final year was the highlight of his coaching career as he led his team to the Midwest Regional Title and then on to the NCAA College World Series playoffs where they placed 4th nationally. He later became the Athletic Director at Lewis and Clark Community College, coaching men’s basketball, baseball, and women’s basketball.

In 1982, Arnold made a bold career transition into the world of insurance and investments with The Equitable. True to the motto, “Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard for it,” he quickly distinguished himself, earning Rookie of the Year in 1989. He was inducted into The Equitable Hall of Fame after achieving national recognition as a leading producer for 10 years within just eleven years of service.

Arnold was inducted into the University of Missouri–St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.

His life was defined not only by professional accomplishments, but by faith, service, and devotion to his family. A committed follower of Jesus Christ, Arnold was a powerful witness to those around him. He taught Sunday School, took youth on mission trips, coached Upward basketball, and faithfully served his church in countless ways. His love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed.

In addition to his many professional roles, Arnold was also, at one point, an over-the-road truck driver for Yellow Transit, enjoying the chance to explore the United States. He loved country and western books by Louis L’Amour, yard work, and traveling extensively with Judy across the United States and abroad – including Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and Israel.

Arnold is survived by his beloved wife Judy Copeland and his four children: Carla Collier, Van (Robin) Copeland, Lori (Mike) Repp, and Teri (Shawn) Reiter. He is also survived by his siblings: Darlene Birk, Dolores Copeland, and Duane Copeland. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren: Leigh Ann Copeland, Karin Claessens, Daniell Shirley, Ellie Repp, Sydnie Redington, Justin Repp, Dawson Copeland, Brandon Repp, Blake Reiter, and Logan Copeland, as well as great-grandchildren to include: Gabriella Shirley, Jocelyn Shirley, Joseph Copeland, and Kova Copeland. He also will be missed by many extended family, friends, former students, and athletes whose lives he touched profoundly.

Arnold Copeland lived a life of humility, discipline, faith, and service – a true example of what it means to work hard, love deeply, and walk humbly with God.

A visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 20th at The First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, located at 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00pm, followed by a service at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of Arnold’s favorite organizations in honor of Arnold’s lifelong commitment to faith and community:

• Love Packages – lovepackages.org
• Samaritan’s Purse International – samaritanspurse.org
• United Way STL Tornado Relief Fund – uwgsl.tfaforms.net