C. Copper

C. Harry Copper (NF8H), 80, of Lexington, well-loved father, husband, and friend, died on Wednesday Night, December 10, 2014, surrounded by his family. Those who knew him remember him as a book enthusiast, mathematician, musician, skilled woodworker, multilingual lover of words and cultures, inspiring teacher, and perpetual student.

Born August 9, 1934, in Mansfield, OH, he was the son of Cleburne H. Copper and Lois (Baker) Copper.

A graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Harry received his B.S. from Ohio University, obtained a Master's degree from The Ohio State University, and completed post-graduate work at Ashland University. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His career as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, spanned more than 50 years, and included the following systems: GOAL Academy, St Peter's High School, North Central State College, Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, Clear Fork Schools, Lexington Local Schools, Madison Schools, and Mansfield City Schools. He was an international sales engineer for Ohio Brass. He was also Director of ADAPT (Alcohol and Drug Addiction Prevention and Treatment Center), and spent nearly five years as a teacher at the Dalat School of Christian and Missionary Alliance in Dalat, Vietnam, and in Bangkok, Thailand.

Preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Doris Sturts and Jane Yaney; and his brother, David Copper; he is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rheta Ballantine Copper; son, Joel Copper (Crystal Armstrong) of New Concord, Ohio; and daughters, Heidi (Copper) Tran of Boston, Massachusetts and Liesl (Copper) Wyka (Joseph) of Honolulu, Hawaii. Grandchildren are Julie Ann Copper, Jeremiah Emery Copper, Jade Daisy Tran, Ivy Rheta Tran, Noah Christian Wyka, Grace Noelle Wyka, Anna Elisabeth Wyka, and Gideon Joseph Wyka; great grandchildren, Isaiah Lentz, Emerson Lentz, and Rolla Copper; and sister, Sarah "Sally" (Charles) Bowser.

A member and elder of First Presbyterian Church, he was unfailing in his faith and a spiritual leader and mentor to all ages. Harry was known for his unhesitating gentleness, kindness, and concern toward those in need.

Harry taught us all something, whether it was how to checkmate a chess opponent, how to find the arc length of a circle, or how to eat lemons with a straight face. Ding Hao!

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Friends may call prior to the service from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805.