My condolences to the family of Mr. Copenhaver. I had him for chemistry at Vanguard in 1977. He was one of my favorite teachers. He could make learning the Periodical Tables fun. He was a wonderful teacher. I have fond memories taking about the Cleveland Browns with him in class. I was saddened to hear we only lived a few miles apart. It would have been nice to see him again. To think we would end up that close to one another is hard to believe. Again my condolences to your family. God bless.

I am sorry for your loss. I just discovered that Mr. Copenhaver had passed. Yes, as many have testified, he was a master at teaching. I had him in Advanced Chemistry. I started school to become a doctor, and now am a Accountant. I just shared about him a couple of weeks ago to my great-nephews whom I care for. I told how one of his pet peaves was don't say, "Like, you know what I mean" haha. Great memories of a great teacher.

Ron was our oldest son Kit's Cub Scout leader for two years.  He was wonderful leading the boys through the requirements as well as coming up with new and inventive science experiments which fascinated them.  Our family wishes all of Ron's family well and would love to hear from any who remember us.
Jeff, Stefanie, Kit, Zach and Andrew Hamblen

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Copenhaver's passing. I had the privilege of being in his chemistry and physics classes back at Vanguard HS from 1990-1992. He was easily one of the handful of best teachers I've ever had at any level, conducting classes with a rigor, sharp humor, and well-disguised warmth that you just don't find very often in public schools. I tended toward the other "side" of the brain, pursuing a non-scientific career, but I'll never forget his inspiring efforts in the classroom--to be honest, I still have my notebooks from his classes all these years later a bunch of battered black-and-white composition books, kept in large part against the day when I have kids and they start to ask me questions about how the physical world works:-. My best friends and I approached his classes with a mixture of fear, awe, and excitement, as silly as that may sound. We called him "Copie" out of endearment, though never to his face--in much the same way somebody might give a cute name to a natural disaster or other imposing force:- I will always be grateful to him for showing me what teaching is all about, as a _calling_, not just a profession. My deepest sympathies to his family members; never forget that he had a major impact on _so_ many kids' lives!

I pray that God will see you through your time of grief and loss. Ron and I went to school together at Westmoreland, Vinson & Marshall.  We both majored in chemistry and physics and were hired by Wayne County WV schools in the same year.  He visited us a couple of times in WV and we visited him in Ocala and Gainsville. I am sorry to say that we lost contact after that. I assumed that he was still teaching in FL.  Not only is this a great loss to his family, but a great loss to the teaching profession!

God bless and keep you,

Richard C. Hodge Vinson '61

TO RONNIE'S WIFE, CHILDREN, AND FRIENDS:
WE EXTEND TO YOU OUR DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.  PLEASE KNOW THAT OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS HAVE BEEN WITH YOU AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE.  WE HAVE BEEN GRIEVING ALSO FOR THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER. 
FROM: ALL OF THE SULLIVAN FAMILY AND CEREDO CHRISTAN BAPTIST CHURCH 
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE" JOHN 3:16.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Copenhaver's passing.

I was a student of his for three years at Vanguard High School. I have always thought of him as my favorite high school teacher because of his dedication, intensity and sense of humor. My last class with him Advanced Placment Physics only had four students, yet he put the same amount of energy into that class as he would a class of 25 and we will always be in his debt.

Like all great teachers, his efforts will live on in the lives of his students and those that they touch...

MR. COPENHAVER WAS MY PHYSICS TEACHER BACK IN 2000.  I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND THAT HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON! I'M SURE HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY, BUT YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT A MAN LIKE THAT IS MOST DEFINATELY LIVING WITH JESUS NOW!!

Ron was indeed a master teacher.  As a young teacher I greatly admired Ron and can only aspire to be half the teacher that he was.  It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to be his colleague.  I will miss him.

Alison,
     I am so sorry about your father's passing.  He was an excellent teacher and was well-respected at Lucas by both students and staff.  We will all miss him.  I also know that he was a proud and devoted father and that you will miss him greatly.  May the Lord be with you and your family during this most difficult time.  
Mrs. Miller

My prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Ronald. I'm sure that he will live in your hearts and lives and in the lives of all who knew him. 
Blessings and peace,
Marigold
Classmate of his son Ron at Ashland Seminary and Ohio State, Mansfield.

To the family of Ron Copenhaver,

We are one of the many, many families influenced by Mr. Copenhaver.  Our oldest son Ben was in his Science class at Lucas High School.  Our son Mitchell was in Alison's class, he is now at Mansfield Christian.  Mr. Copenhaver was a smart, smart, man, with a heart of gold.  He was understanding and fair, and easy to talk to. He allowed everyone to succeed in his classroom.  We are deeply saddened to hear of his death, and hold you all in our prayers.  We were all blessed to have Mr. Copenhaver in our lives.  He cannot be replaced.

Ron and I traveled for years between Gainesville and Ocala, teaching at Vanguard High School. I will remember the many stories we shared about our own children. Ron was a great teacher as many students and colleagues at VHS would testify. Best of all, I consider Ron a friend. Blessing to his family.

OBITUARY

Ronald Copenhaver

August 14, 1943 – February 23, 2006

Wappner Funeral Directors Mansfield

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services