Gary Lee Copper

Gary Lee Copper

Tulsa, Okla.

Gary Lee Copper took the hand of Jesus and left for eternal life on May 2, 2023.

He left peacefully with family and friends by his side. Gary suffered from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor.

Gary was born on June 13, 1960, in Osage, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm north of Marion, Iowa. Gary was the fifth of 11 siblings. Gary always had a love and passion for art and history. In his younger years he could be found drawing WWI and WWII air battles and building model aircraft, each piece meticulously painted with exquisite detail. Gary graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 1979 where he excelled in wrestling. He qualified twice for the state wrestling meet finishing 6th as a senior at 98 lbs.

Gary moved to Tulsa, Okla., and was employed at American Airlines in tool and die. He remained at American Airlines for 38 years, most of which were served as a crew chief. Gary had a love for traveling and experiencing new places and cultures. It was this wanderlust that led him to travel all over the world. He even climbed to the top of the Swiss Alps. He owned and operated Euro-Mart, a European grocery and gift store serving much of the European and Russian community in Tulsa. Gary had a love for cycling that inspired him to bike much of the Oklahoma landscape. He even returned home to Iowa to complete RAGBRAI, a well-known seven-day, 500-mile cycling event. Gary had a great love for the city of Tulsa and the fine arts of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. He was an avid supporter of Five Moons Ballet, a ballet program for Native American dancers. Every year he would buy ballet slippers for each new student entering the program. Gary was also an annual contributor to the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Zoo and Aquarium, and Tulsa University. He also loved to research investment strategies and collect artifacts of interest throughout his travels.

Gary is survived by his son, Zane (Brooklyn) James and grandson, Jaxon, Claremore, Okla.; siblings, Jean Atkinson, Marion, Iowa, Bill (Lorrie) Copper, Marion, Iowa, Donald Copper, Marion, Iowa, Connie Render, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Joan (Vern) Copper, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Judy (Kevin) Reilly, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dorothy (Hector) Copper, Turpin, Okla., and Audrey (Mike) Elledge, Tulsa, Okla.; sister-in-law, Laurie Copper (Raymond), Marion, Iowa; uncle, David (Dale) Tallmadge, Dallas, Ga.; nieces and nephews, Lon (Melissa) Copper, Zared, Alyssa, Brittany (Cody), Derek (Bree), Brian, Morgan, Mason and Stephan (Lori); and grandnieces and grandnephews, Hagan, Taygen, Elijah, Tiberius, Dovie and Huxleigh.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Robert and Pauline Copper; sister, Ardis Copper; and brother, Raymond Copper.

In Iowa, a Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Community Church, 3000 Alburnett Rd, Marion, Iowa. Services will be held at 5 p.m. June 3, with reception and visitation to follow. Gary will be laid to rest at Jordans Grove Cemetery in rural Central City, Iowa.

Donations may be made to the family to continue Gary’s support and love for the Fine Arts of Tulsa.

A very special thank you to the “A-Team” for going above and beyond while caring for Gary. Josh, Treba, Danielle, Gena, Steve and Tracy. Gary was so well cared for thanks to you all, you’re the best. Special thanks to Mike, Dorothy, Connie, Jean, Audrey, Bill, Brittany and Season’s Hospice for providing extra care in Gary’s time of need.