Russell (Rusty) Allen Copen
Vermontville, MI. Age 57, a US Army desert storm veteran passed on Sept 25, 2015 after a long battle with diabetes. He was born Feb 26, 1958. He was a graduate of Maple Valley Jr.- Sr high school class of 1976.

As a SFC-E7 staff Sergeant. He saw the world. He always thought of Vermontville as his hometown
He was a honorary parade Marshall for Charlotte frontier days parade in 1990.
He spoke at Charlotte PAC team graduation ceremonies. While in Saudi, he wrote to some of the students.
He sent them papyrus scrolls from Egypt and American patches that were worn by the soldiers in his battalion.
While on maneuvers his team came upon an overturned army truck. As a medic, he helped save the lives of 5 men and called for a helicopter. He credits his growing up in a small town to being able to relate to people and was always quick to help when a neighbor is in trouble. His stories of Army life and travels were never ending. Sometimes he would say “ I really made something of myself from a small town and joining the Army was the best thing I ever did! “
After retiring, he worked with his fathers company “ Copen Construction” in TN. .
He became a parole officer and then managed a Papa Johns in Nashville TN.
He knew his time was short because of diabetes and came back to Vermontville to be near family.
His stories will be sadly missed by friends and family.
Surviving is his daughter Lidia Lynn Copen from San Antonio TX, grandchildren Evelynn, Ebeny and Arylnn.
Sisters Toni Copen (Mark Ostrander)Holt Mi, and Kelly(Jeff) Hamilton Vermontville MI. brother Bill
Copen, Jackson MI, Adopted sister Tammy Sargent Aspinall, Vermontville MI, niece Kelia Jean Hamilton Vermontville and niece Aleena Holley,(Matt Giraud) Richland Mi. Braxton and Brynley.
Father Frank Copen Nashville TN foster mother Patricia Yost.
He was preceded in death By mother Shirlee Kobiska 2009 and Uncle Ronald Barrett.
Funeral arrangements made by Daniels Funeral home Nashville mi. and the V.A..
Services will be held at Fort Custer Battle Creek military cemetery at 11:00 am Mon. Oct 5,2015
full military honors. All family and friends are invited. And as Russ would say “DEAL”