Wallace Jess Coppinger

Wallace Jess Coppinger was born to Jess Ernest Coppinger and Annie Elizabeth Allen on April 19, 1925 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Wallace, affectionately known as Jess, passed away on June 22, 2015 surrounded by his family in Oklahoma City, OK. Wallace had proudly served his country and joined the United States Navy, but not before meeting the woman of his dreams, Grace Ella Spinks. Wallace and Grace had met at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The college carries a deep meaning to his family, Wallace and Grace attended, met, and were married at Bacone College on March 19, 1948. Jess was so fond of his wife; his granddaughters remember catching him staring at Grace while she cooked. He leaned over and told his granddaughters, “I love that woman in there, and you better eat what she cooks because she loves you too”. Wallace was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and all around grand individual. Wallace cherished his family and the memories he made with them. Fishing trips, camping at the Illinois River in Tahlequah, and spending time at the river were just a few of the things he enjoyed doing with them. Wallace would do anything to protect and care for his family. Wallace had to fend off a bear from harming his daughter once when they were camping. He enjoyed classical music and reading, but nothing could compare to the grace and peace he felt when he was with his family.

Wallace Jess Coppinger is survived by his loving wife Grace Coppinger; one daughter, Katherine Walling; one son, Jess Coppinger Jr.; six grandchildren: Erick Walling, Angela Reim and husband Paul, Jess Coppinger III, Paul Coppinger, Heather Palmer, and Grace Wilder; six great-grandchildren: Abie Reim, Brice Coppinger, Braydon Coppinger, Casady Stursa, Gena Stursa, and Addy Ayala; and one sister, Ruth Wilson. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Jess Ernest Coppinger and Annie Elizabeth (Allen) Coppinger; and two sons: Roy Coppinger, and Glyn Coppinger.