Walter Orr Copeland Jr., 79, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at his home.

He was born July 22, 1932, in Brentwood, Mo., son of the late Walter and Mildred Richardson Copeland. He and Linda Quinton were married Sept. 3, 1983.

He was a retired truck driver, proudly driving for Wetterau Foods for 32 years, and was a member of Local 574.

Walter was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving courageously with the 5th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was a member of American Legion Post 63 and a lifetime member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; a son, Michael and his wife, Deborah, of Jacksonville, Fla., and their children, Natalie and Deanna Copeland; two additional grandchildren, Christopher Copeland of Farmington, Mo., and Anna Copeland of Cape Girardeau; close friends, Bill and Bonnie LeGrand and their children, Lindsey, Keith and Jacob, who were as close as family; a brother, Jerry Copeland of St. Louis; a sister, Dianna Copeland of Fort Myers, Fla.; and numerous friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by a son, John Copeland; and his brothers, Eddie and Charlie Copeland.

Friends may attend a visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of choice in Walter's name.

He will be interred at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombs funeralhome.com.