JOSEPH E. "JOE" COPENHAVER

1934 - 2023

BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH "JOE" E. COPENHAVER passed away on September 5, 2023, at the age of 89. He was born in Big Chimney, WV in 1934, and was the youngest child of Clarence Hobart and Lucy Greenwood Perry Copenhaver.
He graduated from Elkview High School in 1952, attended Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) from 1952 - 1954, and eventually completed his BS degree in Military Science in 1984. In the interim, he joined the military, completed Squadron Officer School, and graduated from Air Command and Air War College.
From a young age, Joe wanted to be a pilot. While in college, he received a direct commission to the United States Air Force and was awarded his pilot wings in 1956. He began his career with the West Virginia Air National Guard (WVANG) as a Fighter Pilot with the 167th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Martinsburg, WV, moving to the 130th Tactical Airlift Group in Charleston, WV, in 1957 as a Pilot and Troop Carrier. He later held the positions of Flight Commander, Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, Group Commander, Air Commander and Base Commander. Joe also served as a State Pilot, Chief Pilot for Governors Hulett Smith and Arch Moore. Before, retiring in 1994, was assigned to HQ WVANG as General Commander of both the Charleston and Martinsburg units.
Throughout his career, Joe accumulated over 9000 military and 4500 civilian flying hours, where among them he was honored with 2 Legion of Merit Awards, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with 7 devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 devices, Small Arms Expert Ribbon with 1 device, West Virginia Service Ribbon with 6 devices, and the West Virginia Distinguished Unit Award with 4 devices.
Joe was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Charleston and loved spending time with his family and neighbors, especially Mr. Frank Jones. He also enjoyed being outdoors -- hunting, fishing and boating; eating Mexican food and spending time with his devoted cat, Prince Harry. He was an avid sports fan and athlete, playing high school football, basketball, baseball, and college football. He followed all WVU sports and always looked forward to cheering on his favorite teams.
Joe was always the first to lend a helping hand, fix a problem, give advice and was blessed with exemplary leadership skills and genuine kindness. He served as a Deacon at Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church, was a Malden Fire Department Volunteer and Boy Scout Leader, Member of OES Salina Chapter 81, and a Master Mason 32 Degree.
In his own words: "I did live on the edge. You only go this way one time, so you might as well enjoy it. My life just went too fast."
Joe is preceded in death by Barbara Butler Copenhaver (married 1954 - 2007); and Son, Lt. Colonel Joseph E. Copenhaver, Jr.
He is survived by Beth Plantz Copenhaver (married 2021 - present); Daughter, Lisa Copenhaver Martin (James); Six Grandchildren, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Nicholas Copenhaver (Kaitlin), Adam Copenhaver (Laura), Eric Copenhaver (Kayla), Ian Copenhaver (Hollie), Alexandra Martin, Blake Martin; Five Great Grandchildren, Jackson, Charlotte, Cooper, Clair and Walker; Daughters-in-Law, Rebecca Fosco Copenhaver, Susan Copenhaver; and Stepsons, Dr. David Plantz (Nikki) and Stephen Plantz (Kelly).
The family would like to thank the following individuals for their loving care and support: Dr. Julie DeTemple, Dr. Harmon, Dr. Arnold, CAMC Medical Rehabilitation Unit, Hospice Care, Centerwell Home Health; Caregivers Doreen and Mary Motley, Malinda Boggess, Ginger Belcher, Peggy Davis, Amber Taylor and Brenda Fisher.
Additionally, thank you to special friends of the family: Nanetta Jones and Roseanna Bell, Bob and Mary Peterson, David Basham, Karen Batten, Rev Dr. Bill Myers, and Linda Elliott.
Services will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston (Leon Sullivan Way) on Saturday, October 7. Calling hours begin at 10 a.m., followed by church service at 11 a.m. The General will have a private burial at the Perry Cemetery in Elkview.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society, Tunnels to Towers, First Presbyterian Church -- The Children's and Youth Ministry.
The online guest book can be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.