Fallen San Marcos police officer remembered for 'larger than life' smile

Funeral held Wednesday at Community Bible Church for Officer Kenneth Copeland

SAN ANTONIO – A San Marcos police officer who was fatally shot last week was remembered at his funeral as a compassionate man who loved being a police officer and a father.

The funeral was held Wednesday for San Marcos Officer Kenneth Copeland, who was killed last week while trying to serve a warrant on a domestic violence suspect.

Speaking during the funeral at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, friend Jeff Caldwell said Copeland had a smile that "was larger than life."

A procession of emergency vehicles escorted Copeland's body from a funeral home in San Marcos to the church in San Antonio, located about 50 miles southwest of San Marcos.

Officer Copeland and several other officers were serving a warrant on Dec. 4 for a violent crime when a suspect started shooting at them. Copeland was shot multiple times in areas of his body outside his protective vest and was rushed to Central Texas Medical Center where he later was pronounced dead.

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The public paid their respects along the route down Wonder World Drive and onto Interstate 35 South to Loop 1604.

Copeland is the first San Marcos police officer to die in the line of duty. He leaves behind a wife and four children. 

Gov. Greg Abbott released this statement following the shooting:

Today we grieve for the family of the fallen San Marcos police officer, and we vow swift justice for the killer. The men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect and to serve our communities, and we will never forget their sacrifices. Cecilia and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the officer's family and to the entire San Marcos Police Department.

This is a developing story. Stay with KSAT 12 both online and on-air for more information.


About the Author:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.