April 18, 2024

David Charles Loucks, 96, died February 20, 2016 at St. Catherine Hospital, Garden City. He was born on September 16, 1919 in Gray County, the son of Jesse and Carrie (Becker) Loucks.

David was a lifetime resident of Copeland. He was a graduate of Copeland High School. David served his country overseas during World War II from January 8, 1941 to October 21, 1945 as a sergeant in the 271st Army Combat Engineer Corp. His squad was engaged in repairing roads, buildings, and bridges. He was in charge of the squad in both construction and combat. On December 26, 1940, he married Lucelle Day in Copeland. She preceded him in death on March 22, 1972. David then married Mildred (Birney) Stapleton on November 26, 1972 in Copeland. She preceded him in death on June 27, 2012.

David farmed near Copeland until his health no longer allowed. He also had a Charolais cow-calf operation and was partners with his brother Alva Loucks in the Loucks Brothers Drilling Operation. Dave had the opportunity to be a part of the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on November 2, 2010 with his son-in-law, Jeff Watson, as his sponsor. He also enjoyed driving his dad’s 1941 Ford pick-up to the annual Loucks family reunion. David’s greatest joy was his family. 

He was a member of the Copeland Christian Church and the Copeland American Legion.

David is survived by six children, David Loucks and wife Peggy of Copeland, Sharol Grant and husband Ernie of Yelm, Washington, David Stapleton and wife Mary Ann of Meade, Danny Stapleton and wife Janice of Liberal, Linda Watson and husband Jeff of Cimarron, and Loretta Holland and husband Bill of Sublette; two daughters-in-law, Connie Stapleton of Norman, Oklahoma and Roma Stapleton of Garden City; one brother, Walt Loucks of Mesa, Arizona; one sister, Martha Garetson of Montezuma; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to Lucelle and Mildred; Dave is preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Gale Adrian Loucks, Delwin Stapleton, and Dorsey Stapleton; seven sisters, Mildred McCoy-Brown, Effie Koehn, Frances Peterson, Myrtle Dunham, Samantha Loucks, Mary Jo Parker, Charlotte Sawyer; five brothers, Alva, John, Harvey, Leon, and Ora Loucks; two grandchildren, Michael Loucks and Barbara Loucks; and two great grandchildren, Joe Don Puckett and Britney Koehn.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Eddie Pennington presiding. Burial will follow at Haskell County Cemetery, Sublette with Military Rites by the Copeland American Legion and the KSARNG Military Honors. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Copeland American Legion, Copeland Senior Center, or the Sublette United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.