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.
Funeral Home: Penwell Turner Funeral Home
Website: www.PenwellTurner.com