Richard L. Coppedge went to sleep in death at his home with his family by his side on June 20, 2015, at age 93.
Because of his ardent desire to benefit humanity, he served as a physician, mastering in public health, surgeon, researcher, professor, Colonel U.S. Army, Medical Corps (his pioneering work with Special Forces medics opened the way for Physician Assistant training in the U.S.), and diplomat.
After his baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he further served as an elder at Dreamy Draw Congregation.
He is survived by his wife, Kim, six children, Coralie C. O’Neil, Elisabeth C. Lyerly, Ann C. Bivens, Aimée C. Atkins, Patrick R. Coppedge, and Elisabeth K. Coppedge, 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and one brother, Walter R. Coppedge.
He is remembered as a loving and gracious husband, father, brother, and friend.
A memorial will be held at 11:00 a.m., July 11, 2015, at 1513 E. Griswold Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85020.
Published in The Arizona Republic on June 28, 2015