Edwin Robert “Bob” Copeland died peacefully at Belmont Gardens in Vicksburg on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. He was 94.

Bob was born in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1917. He graduated from Long Beach High School and Pasadena City College. He and his wife served in the Navy during World War II, and he was awarded four Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Victory Medal. Following military service they resided in Temple City, Calif., until 15 months ago when he relocated to Vicksburg.

Before retiring, Bob was a postal supervisor and enjoyed furniture refinishing. He was a member of Shadow Hills Assembly of Plymouth Brethren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Brickert Copeland; his parents, Harold Copeland and Ma-tilda Copeland Christensen; sisters, Charlotte Weaver and Isabelle Oliver, and brother, Alvin Copeland, all of California; and great-grandson, Andrew Holden of Mississippi.

He is survived by a son, Ronald Copeland (Lorraine) of Vicksburg; a daughter, Nancy Johnson (Leonard) of Arcadia, Calif.; grandchildren, Stacy Holden (Russel) of Vicksburg, Jody Pruitt (Chad) of Ocean Springs, Ryan Copeland (Anna) of Hattiesburg, Jennifer Johnson of Tupman, Calif., and Joelle Johnson of Bakersfield, Calif. Great-grandchildren include Deacon Pruitt, Emily Copeland, Jackson Holden, Edwin Copeland and Grace Pruitt.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Riles Funeral Home Chapel with visitation from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. The Rev. Cary Stockett will officiate the service. A graveside service will follow at a later date at Forest Lawn in Covina Hills, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International to honor the significance of evangelism in Bob’s life — Gideons International, P.O. Box 821712, Vicksburg, MS 39182.