Steven Copeland

Steven Greg Copeland, 52, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 from natural causes, doing what he loved most, guiding an elk hunt in Northeast New Mexico. Steve was born on April 26, 1968 in Albuquerque, NM and raised on a ranch in Claunch, NM by his parents Ernest and Brenda Copeland. He attended school in Corona, NM graduating in 1986 excelling in athletics, 4-H, and FFA showing Hereford cattle, welding, and other projects. He went on to obtain his Welder’s Certification from NMSU in Las Cruces, NM. He also earned and kept his Commercial Driver’s License from the age of 19 to present and he loved trucking down the road. Steve had a strong work ethic. His career spanned working as a ranch manager, welding instructor, heavy equipment operator with various construction companies including serving as a crew foreman for Plateau, however his true passion was being a Professional Hunting Guide. Steve started guiding for Les Ezell on an antelope hunt when he was about 14 years old and has guided all his life. Steve shared that love of hunting with his pride and joy, best friend, and his only son, Tyler. He often took Ty on hunting trips all over the southwest in search of big and small game. He was working this particular hunt with Les and had just informed Ty of his progress a few minutes before the Lord called him home. Steve had an easy-going personality with a keen sense of humor who enjoyed a spirited political discussion and keeping up with friends. Steve moved to the Copeland Ranch near Santa Rosa permanently in 2011 and attended the Methodist Church. He was a proud member of the NRA and enjoyed his hobbies of hunting, ranching, checking the weather apps, and cooking for his family and friends. Steve will be greatly missed by his family: Son, Tyler of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his parents, Ernest and Brenda Copeland of Santa Rosa; his sister, Sandra Copeland of Santa Rosa; the mother of his son, Shawndra Jones of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins as well as friends too numerous to count from various states and places. He never met a stranger and everyone loved him like a brother. Services will be planned for the Spring of 2021. We ask that you keep the Copeland family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, a favorite memory, or sign the online guestbook. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Steve Copeland Memorial Scholarship fund to encourage youth in agricultural pursuits. Please mail to the First United Methodist Church of Santa Rosa, PO Box 303, Santa Rosa, NM 88435. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.