Russell Copeland

Russell E. Copeland, age 85, formerly of Ganges, died late Wednesday evening August 11, 2004 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Mr. Copeland was born January 8, 1919 in Mansfield to Clarence and Martha Mae McManis Copeland and had been a Richland County resident all of his life. A 1937 graduate of Tiro High School, he worked 10 years on the Pennsylvania Railroad and retired from the Sears Auto Center in 1981. A man of many talents who never met a stranger, he dedicated his life to hard work, helping family and others. He especially enjoyed his garden and fruits it bore. Russell was a member of Ganges Community Church, past master of Shiloh Lodge 544, past patron of Rizpah Chapter 153 Order of Eastern Star of Shelby, Royal Arch Chapter 178, and Baku Grotto.

Surviving are his wife, of 14 years, Oledie Mae Johnson Copeland; two daughters, Bonnie Rain of Mansfield; Sharon John Warrick of Ashland; a son, Carl Joy Copeland of Mansfield; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two step-children, Joan Art Runyon of Florida and Eric Donna Johnson of Fairfield, Ohio; four step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife of 47 years, Ruth Weaver Copeland in 1985; two brothers, Otto & Earl; a sister, Marjorie Karr; a son-in-law, Larry Rain and a step-son, Robert Johnson.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Friday from 4-9 p.m. Masonic and Eastern Star services will begin Friday at 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, conducted by Pastor Jerry L. Rhea. Burial will follow in Ganges Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.