Arthur Thomas Coppage

Arthur Thomas Coppage, 59, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023 after a two year long battle against renal cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. At his passing he was surrounded by his sisters Angi and Debbi; his mother Shirley; and his daughter Taylor.

Art was born on Thursday, March 19, 1964 to Shirley and Floyd Coppage in Albuquerque, New Mexico. At Eldorado High School Art excelled in soccer. After graduating from high school in 1982 he attended UNM. Soon after, he took private flying lessons after deciding he wanted to be a pilot. He transferred to NM State to join the R.O.C.T. Program. Upon graduation he entered the US Air Force as an officer. He married Patricia Ulibarri in 1990. Stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, he flew upper staff around in the C-21. Art's daughter, Taylor, was born in 1992. After Art and Patricia divorced, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, after "graduating" to piloting the C-5 where he met his 2nd wife, Tammy Fricke and were married for 10 years. He became Commander of the C-5 squadron in San Antonio and continued to move through the ranks until he reached Colonel after 30 years of service. Art then began flying for American Airlines---becoming Captain in due time.
He moved back to Albuquerque in 2019, about two years before his cancer diagnosis. Besides flying and traveling the world, he enjoyed playing guitar, collecting watches, and cooking.

He is survived by his parents Shirley and Floyd; his sisters Angi and Debbi; and his daughter Taylor. He also is survived by his 5 nieces and nephews, Karah, Kendra, Cole, Shane, and Camille.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, 2:00 pm. at FRENCH- Lomas.