KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Flags in Olathe will fly at half-staff Friday as former city Mayor Michael Copeland is laid to rest.
Copeland — the longest-tenured mayor in Olathe history, having served since 2001 — died unexpectedly Aug. 19. He was 58 years old.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Thursday, ordering the flags lowered across Olathe, which is the second-largest city in Johnson County.
“Mayor Michael Copeland served his community with honor and integrity for nearly 20 years, and he will be deeply missed,” Kelly said in a statement. “I offer my condolences to the Mayor’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. As we mourn his loss, let us remember and celebrate his impactful legacy on the city of Olathe and the state of Kansas.”
Copeland — a California native, who moved to Olathe to play football at MidAmerica Nazarene University — served on the Olathe City Council for eight years prior to being elected mayor.
There will be a visitation at 2 p.m. and funeral at 4:15 p.m. on Friday at College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 E. Sheridan St. in Olathe.
Video streams will be available on the city of Olathe’s website and its official Facebook page.
Copeland’s burial will be private, but residents and well-wishers are welcome to line the streets of the processional route “to say their final goodbyes to Mayor Copeland,” the city said in announcing funeral plans.
Some streets along the processional route will be closed.
The funeral procession will begin on South Mur-Len Road near the MidAmerica Nazarene University campus and travel south to 151st Street.
The procession will turn east on 151st Street to South Black Bob Road before ending at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.
More information and ideas for honoring Copeland can be found on the “Thank You, Mayor Michael Copeland” Facebook page.
Memorial donations can be made to Copeland’s family, care of Bank of Blue Valley, 958 W. Santa Fe St. in Olathe.
