William H. Coplin

William H. Coplin

William H. Coplin, 71, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.

William Hoyt “Billy” Coplin was born on June 5, 1952, in Steelville, Missouri to the union of Esco Burley Coplin and Laura Jeanettie Coplin nee Medley.

Billy grew up in Steelville and the surrounding areas. He began his love of fishing from a young age when he would go with his father down the Meramec where they would fish the day away. Over the years he could be seen carrying his fishing rod and tackle to the nearest water hole to fish. Often times he would go fishing with his nephew Jerry or his niece Teresa.

If he wasn’t fishing he would be walking all over town or put together model cars. When he got to the point he couldn’t walk around town anymore he would sit on his porch watching the traffic go by.

Bill also loved a good home-cooked meal; Cat Head biscuits as the family calls them were among his favorites. His mother, Laura, would make them when he was younger, then his sister Connie took over making them. He was able to enjoy some homemade Cat Heads a few months before he passed. He couldn’t even wait for them to cool before he had one in his hand.

Billy will be missed by those who loved him.

He is survived by his Guardian Angel niece, Teresa Voss, who became his caretaker; two sisters: Bonnie Hollingshead and Connie Mercer; a brother, Douglas Coplin; and many other nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his sisters: Seline Britton and husband Junior, Geneva Pyatt and Shirley Maier and husband Arthur; a brother, Jerry Coplin; a brother-in-law, Pearl Hollingshead; two nieces: Patty and Nancy; and three nephews: David, Larry and Dennis.

Arrangements for cremation have taken place. Billy will be laid to rest at the Upper Indian Creek Cemetery in Viburnum, Missouri, alongside his parents Esco and Laura.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date.

Friends may send their online condolences to Billy’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.