Wayne Roger Copeland
Wayne Roger Copeland, age 95, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Willows at Willard with family members at his side.
Roger was born July 21, 1928 in Warsaw, NY to the late Wayne A. and Onalee “Lee” (Nevinger) Copeland. A 1946 graduate of Battle Creek High School in Michigan, Roger was a veteran of the United States Navy and began his post-secondary education at Syracuse University. When his father’s job transferred them from New York to Mansfield, Ohio, Roger transitioned his education to The Ohio State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. It was from OSU that he also earned his master’s degree.
A position in Shelby in 1951 began Roger’s career in teaching and coaching. At Shelby, Roger taught science and was an assistant football coach, JV basketball coach, and head track coach. It was in 1961 that he began at Ontario High School. As a teacher, Mr. Copeland continued teaching science in addition to driver’s education, Occupation Work Experience (OWE), and developmental reading. Additionally, Roger was well known at Ontario High School as their football coach. He started Ontario’s football program when he came to the system and, throughout his 17 seasons as head coach, held a record 107 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties- an incredible winning percentage throughout his entire career.
Ontario football’s home, now named Copeland Field, greets players and spectators with a respectful plaque which so thoughtfully and reverently honors Coach Copeland. It reads:
WELCOME TO COPELAND FIELD
Roger Copeland was Ontario’s first head football coach beginning in 1961. For seventeen seasons he was the face and voice of Ontario football. He produced 107 wins, five league championships, three undefeated seasons, three one-loss seasons, and one two-loss season.
He coached hard-nosed old-fashioned single-wing football. He related to those who played for him and those who coached with him. He listened. He taught. He inspired. He led others to believe in themselves. He was aggressive on the field yet kind and humble off the field. He sought no recognition. His legacy rests not in wins and trophies—it is in the values lodged in the hearts and minds of those he touched.
This football field is dedicated in his honor. This football field is where future Warriors experience the traditions he started.
As a family man, Roger was completely and entirely devoted to his late wife, Wyona J. (Conner) Copeland, and was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Roger and Wyona so very much enjoyed their 37 years spent at Bay Point at Lake Erie which coincided with boating and fishing. He also enjoyed golfing. Throughout his life, Roger thoroughly enjoyed keeping in touch with former players and their families- so many of whom loved, respected, and admired him.
Roger is survived by his children: Linda Weber of Georgia, Scott (Jane) Copeland of Morrow, Craig (Laura) Copeland of Shelby, and Kurt (Sheila) Copeland of Shelby; grandchildren: Travis Weber, Erin Weber, Sarah (Matthew) Patrick, Kristin (John) Reed, Brad (Carlson) Copeland, Courtney Copeland (Alex Hill), and Carter Copeland (Mallory Moore); great grandchildren: Kiah Weber, Brantley, Madelyn, and Rhett Patrick, Leah and Mason Reed, and Lawrence “Wren” Copeland; and in-laws: Barb (Bob) Cramer, Ronnie (Nan) Smith, and Jerry (Linda) Smith.
Calling hours and funeral services will be private at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Rector Emeritus, Rev. Daivd Sipes will officiate the services with burial following in Mansfield Memorial Park. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Ontario Football Program and mailed to Ontario High School, ATTN: Jeff Fisher, 457 Shelby-Ontario Road, Ontario, OH 44906. The funds will be used toward a permanent memorial in Roger’s honor.
Online condolences may be left on Roger’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Dear Copeland Family
Thoughts and prayers to you.
Never had the opportunity to meet your dad. I wish I had.
Robert & Bonita Rickett
So very sorry to hear your. Father’s passing-have known he and your Mother for years but really got to him here at Willows. I will miss him!
Craig and Laura and family. So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Such a strong quiet leader and a truly nice man. Lots of great memories growing up and playing sports with Craig (The grand slam: Equity vs Robinson’s Hardware). Like all of our fathers, he was always supportive, and a great example. Rest in peace, Coach
Craig, Laura and family,
So very sorry for your loss. What an amazing legacy he has left, and the countless lives he has touched. God bless you during this difficult time.
Fran and Bill Schroeder
It was a pleasure to have played football for Coach Copeland. He demanded you to work hard and he was fair with all. I have kept in contact with Coach through the years and he was not only a coach but a good friend. He certainly will be missed.by all. He now is joined with his wife Wyona. Love You Coach!
R.I.P.
To the Copeland Family-
We saw an amazing family, who had a beautiful father who cared for his children. It’s hard to lose the family bond. Keep remembering the memories you shared. May he rest in Peace with all his Loved Ones in Heaven.
Hugs & prayers,
Todd& Nancy
To the family of Mr. Copland, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear father, grandfather, and great grandfather
I was a student in his 8th grade science class, but missed out being coached as a member of his football teams
It was my pleasure to be reunited with Mr. Copeland during his stay at the Willows.
A fine man who will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Copeland
Craig, Laura, Kristin and Brad and families,
I am so very sorry for your loss. ‘When someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become a treasure.’ My deepest sympathy to you all. May you find comfort in family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Even though he was the Coach, I consider him a very good friend. The second paragraph under the title “Welcome to Copeland Field” says it all about Roger. He was definitely all of that and more. Rest In Peace, Coach.
Tom (Huff) & Bobbie
Dear Copeland Family,
Coach was such a part of me for so many years at Ontario, that at his passing, I feel like part of me went with him. Not only was he a great coach, but a great mentor. He inspired everyone to be their better self, not only on the football field but also in life. I owe a lot of the man I am today to Coach. He made me a better person and I would give anything to run 36 to the right again for him!
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Tom and Susi Maiyer
To the Copeland family you have my sincere condolences and sympathy at this time. Roger took me under his wing in 1981 at Ontario High School and helped me get into the O.W.E. program, at this time I was struggling in school do to family issues and wasn’t sure if I would graduate, with that help I graduated in 1982 and have had a successful fulfilling life ….thank you Mr.Copeland. R.I.P.
Celebrating the life of your dad/grandfather/great grandfather. He was an amazing man who touched so many lives! Praying for peace and comfort for your family as you navigate this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jill Gurney
Craig, Laura & family. So sorry to see this. Such a nice man. So glad I got to reconnect with him at the Willows. Treasure all those great memories.
We both shed a few tears over this. Roger was a very, very special human being. Our world was blessed to have had him in it. Many good memories of he and his wife. May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May all your memories be filled with joy. We were always glad that your dad was able to get around with you to the fish fry. May peace be with you all, Mike and Cathy Anderson
Sorry to the family for your loss. Just know how much coach meant to me in many more ways than just a coach ! He forever changed my life with many conversations. Rip coach
Dear Copeland family, so sorry for your loss. He was one of the “good ones”.
Joe & Lynn
Linda, Scott, Craig and Kurt,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I talked to him on the phone once or twice in the last couple of years. He always seemed in good spirits.
I have lots of fond memories of times spent together in Shelby when we were kids growing up.
Sincerely,
Mark and Debra Cramer
Scott Craig Linda and Kurt sorry about the loss of your dad and my cousin your cousin stefan smith he was a great man I will miss him
To: The Copeland Family
I wish to express my condolences to Coach Copeland’s family. I started my teaching and coaching career at Ontario as Coach Copeland was ending his teaching career. In fact I was provided the opportunity to take over the Occupational Work Experience (O.W.E.) Program upon his retirement. In my short time of working with Roger we shared many laughs and I learned many life lessons from just listening to him. May God bless his family and provide you with many memories of a good guy who touched the lives of many in a positive way.
Sincerely,
Joe Balogh
My condolences to the Copeland family, I had the privilege of having coach Copeland for football and track while attending Shelby High School. He was a good man who will be remembered and missed by many.