Scott was born on April 2, 1959, in El Dorado, Kansas the son of Martin Copeland and Conra “Connie” Copeland. He married Patricia “Patsy” Mendoza on May 14, 1983, in Emporia, Kanas. She survives.

Surviving family members include his wife, Patsy Cronk of Emporia; daughters, Michelle (Paco Hernandez) Cronk of Wichita, Nicole “Nikki” (Eric) Gerringer of Mayfield, and Lindsay (Dewayne) Lyons of Emporia; grandchildren, Elyas Rodriguez, Dakota Garrett, Brandon Garrett, Ethan Garrett, Jesse Garrett, Amelia Gerringer, Isabel Garcia, Damarian Lyons and Naomi North, as well as four great-grandchildren; sisters, Marci (Brett) Macy of Rolla, Missouri, and Chris (Kevin) Grove of El Dorado, Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Scott worked for the Emporia Police Department from 1983 to 2019 when he retired as Chief of Police in Emporia after 36 years of service. His dedication to helping others went beyond his years in law enforcement. He would do anything for not only his wife, daughters and grandkids but anyone in need of help, day or night. Over the years in his spare time he enjoyed participating in demolition derbies, racing at Humboldt Speedway and collecting cars in his backyard.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium in Emporia with burial following at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Emporia. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart Catholic School can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801. You can leave online condolences at www.robertsblue.com .