FORT WORTH, TEXAS (March 23, 12:30 p.m. ET) — Donald Copeland, a former compounding company owner and more recently sales manager for American Polymers Corp., died on March 13 at age 73.
Copeland attended Technical High School in Fort Worth and served four years in the Air Force. Upon returning to Fort Worth, he attended Texas Wesleyan University, where he was named outstanding business student in his senior year, and graduated in 1966.
He was co-founder and retired president of R&D Plastics, a thermoplastic compounding company. Since semi-retiring in 2003 he worked brokering thermoplastics resin with American Polymer in Akron, Ohio.
“Don was a valued sales manager of our Texas branch and it is with extreme sadness that we say goodbye to such an icon in the plastics industry,” said President Kevin Copeland and Senior Vice President Phil Farnsworth, in a statement.
“Don's knowledge of plastics and endearing qualities as an honorable person of integrity will surely be missed by all that knew him. His 9 years of dedicated service to our company has surely strengthened American Polymers Corp. by assisting us in providing a level of expertise that is unparalleled in our ever changing industry. Don was a true ‘Plastics Man,' a go to guy that was revered by all that had the pleasure of working with him. He truly valued his family and his business relationships, always ready to share his vast life experiences and knowledge of plastics. For his service and friendship we will always be grateful.”
Services were held March 17 in Fort Worth. Copeland is survived by his wife Sheila.
