Millard “Carter” Copeland

Millard “Carter” Copeland passed away late Saturday night, October 25, 2025. He was 83 years old.

He was born July 22, 1942, in Lebanon. He was the son of the late Millard F. Copeland and Mary Copeland.

On February 2, 1963, Carter married the love of his life, Esther L. (Breedlove) Copeland. They were married at the Kilmore Methodist Church by Carter’s brother, James Copeland. Since then, they have never left each other’s sides. In the last 10 years, Carter dedicated his life to taking care of Esther in all of her health issues. He was a true example of what it means to love someone unconditionally.

Carter graduated from Dover High School in 1960. He soon got a job as an electrician at Allison Transmission in Speedway. He worked at Allison’s for 44 years, before retiring in 2005. After retiring, he spent his time restoring his 1962 Chevy Impala. He loved to shine it up and put it on display at car shows. He also loved spending time camping, going to Las Vegas, visiting the Anderson Casino, playing cards with Rick and Joan, and attending all of the grandkids’ sporting and school events. It didn’t matter how tired they were, you could always find them cheering them on. He was also a big fan of the Indiana Fever and Indianapolis Colts.

Carter attended St. Marks Lutheran Church in Whitestown. He and Esther have remained faithful there for 40 years.

Survivors include his wife, Esther L. Copeland; his children, Kevin (Karen) Copeland, Angela (Tim) Nicley, and Sherry (Matt) Crousore. He was blessed with 9 grandchildren, Allison, Kasey, Korey, Ryan, Kailey, Kendra, Kerry, Evan, and Eli. He has been blessed even more with 8 great grandchildren, Neveah, Grayson, Chase, Gabby, Leo, Declan, Norah, and Karlie. Also surviving is a sister, Joan (Rick) Culley.

In addition to his parents, Carter was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Richard, and Donald Copeland.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, October 30, for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Carter will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.