Chester Steven Copeland - “Steve”, 79, passed away peacefully from complications from prostate cancer on September 1, 2026, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine. He was born March 13, 1947, to Chester L. Copeland and Mary Christine (Hydrick). He grew up in Alabama and Kentucky where William “Bill” Wilson married his mother and raised a beautiful family. Steve was a strong and loving big brother to his siblings, Mike, Jackie and Eva. He played varsity basketball and graduated from Daviess County High School in Owensboro, Kentucky. He enlisted in the United States Air Force May 27, 1966, to serve his country and met his wife, Sandra Leigh Watkins, (affectionately known as Sam), later that year while he was stationed at Topsham Air Force Station in Topsham, Maine. They married in Brunswick, Maine on July 7, 1967, and from there would start their beautiful family.

Steve left to honorably serve in the Vietnam War after completing basic training (Strategic Air Command NCO Academy) where he was stationed in the Philippines and Taiwan while flying into Vietnam frequently. He began his military career as an Airman Airplane Mechanic specializing in hydraulic fuel maintenance and repair as well as developing maintenance technology; he was an expert in FB 111s, C130s, DC 10s. He made sure any plane leaving airfields were safe, secure and properly maintained for the pilots and crew. Throughout his military career, he was stationed in Topsham, Maine; Langley, VA; Columbus, OH; Hickam AFB Oahu, HI; Pease AFB, NH; Robins AFB, GA; and multiple overseas tours of duty including Vietnam, Taiwan, Okinawa, Peru, Philippines, Japan, Germany, and the Azores. After years of hard work and dedication to his country, he retired at the highest NCO rank of Chief Master Sergeant of the 509th Field Maintenance Squadron for the Strategic Air Command at Robins Air Force base in Warner Robins, Georgia. He earned multiple distinction medals including the Air Force Commendation Medal (received twice), the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (received 5 times), Air Force Good Conduct Medal (exemplary and honorable service received 7 times), National Defense Services Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and Short Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award (received 5 awards).Steve also received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship distinction. He and his family were very proud of his military service. In retirement, he also worked pipefitting destroyers at Bath Iron Works as well as working at Charlie’s In Augusta, likely to talk and meet people, one of his favorite things to do!

Steve was most proud of his wonderful family. He and Sam had three children, Stefanie, Brett and Lee. He loved going to their practices or sporting events when they were younger, and could be found in his boat fishing with anyone who would go with him. He especially loved fishing with his youngest son, Lee. Camping at the family camps on Cold Stream and later, Parker Pond, were where many special memories were made. In the later years, grandchildren entered he and Sam’s life and brought such joy to their lives. Dexter Copeland was born July 13, 2011, and gave “Grampy” and “Grammy” the most enjoyment. Steve and Sam relocated to Maine where they spent time being devoted and loving grandparents to Dexter before he began pre-school and they lived with Angie and Lee in Gorham in their “treehouse” in-law suite. Later, Scarlett, Hazel and Maeve would join the family and would be the sparkle that lit up Grampy’s heart on any given day. Holidays, family dinners, backyard cookouts, and annual family vacations were the most precious times to him and he couldn’t give enough hugs, or take enough pictures. Steve was very fond of his amazing daughters-in-law, Angie and Jennifer and enjoyed tinkering and talking about “man stuff” with Tom. Family time was everything to Steve, and we will all miss the strength, fun, and laughter we all enjoyed together.

Steve is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sam Copeland, his daughter Stefanie (Tom Fortier), son Brett (Jennifer) and granddaughter Scarlett, son Lee (Angie) and grandchildren Dexter, Hazel and Maeve, sister Eva Arnold (Morgan), sister in-law Kay Copeland, and his special in-laws Bob and Vicki Watkins, special friends Janet and Tom Sirois, Rena Boudreault, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Chris and Bill Wilson, sister Jackie Harrison, brother Mike Copeland, nephew Wesley Copeland, and special extended family Larry and Bootsie Burnham. He will be terribly missed by all that knew him. Dolby, Blais, and Segee in Westbrook will be hosting a gathering from 4-6pm on Wednesday, September 9th to celebrate Steve’s life. Steve will be buried with his wife, Sam, at Augusta Veterans Cemetery when Sam passes at a future date. The family asks that people come dressed cheerfully / casually and ready to share happy memories of Steve, and bring your laughter and smiles. It’s what he would want!

Donations to the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough are encouraged so that families can continue to feel the comfort and peace Steve’s family felt while helping him in his final days