It feels strange to post the obituary, but it also seems appropriate. My Grandfather died on the 22nd. I’m heading back home from the 31st to the 8th, much of which time will be spent bonding with the fam on the drive to and from Lake Charles (I just hope Ian will shower.) It will be good to be with family, attend the service, and remember Grandaddy.  He really was a remarkable guy.  More reflections later, perhaps.

Obituary for H. Richard Copeland

The Rev. Dr. H. Richard Copeland died December 22, 2007, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 86. A minister of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Dr. Copeland was pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles, LA, from 1964 to 1984.

“Dick” Copeland was born in Ferris, TX, and reared in Mexia. He was enrolled at Texas A&M College when the United States entered World War II. He enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor and served four years in the Army Air Corps. He was discharged as a First Lieutenant. He held degrees from Texas Tech College (B.A), Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (B. D., M.Th.), and Rhodes College (D.D.). He was pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, TX, from 1951-1955, and of Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, TX, from 1955 to 1964.

Dr. Copeland was married for 32 years to Betty Lou Loveless, who died in 1976. The couple had three children: Brant S. Copeland, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee, FL, Leslie Copeland Taylor, an attorney in Houston, TX, and Brenda Copeland Thompson, an English teacher in Lake Charles, LA, who died in 1977. He was married for 25 years to Shirley Slack Martin of Lake Charles, who died in 2003.

Active in church and local affairs, Dr. Copeland served on the General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church, U. S., and as the Convener and first Moderator of the Synod of the Sun. He was a commissioner to four General Assemblies (national meetings). Dr. Copeland’s example of faithful preaching and attentive pastoral care inspired fourteen women and men to enter the Gospel ministry during his pastorates.

Dr. Copeland is survived by his sister, Ellen Stead of Richardson, TX, daughter Leslie Copeland Taylor of Houston, TX, son Brant S. Copeland, of Tallahassee, FL, and grandsons Darrell, Eric, and Carl Taylor, and Adam and Ian Copeland, as well as members of his second family: son Robin Martin of Lake Charles and daughters Anne Mann and Nancy Key.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1801 Second Avenue, Lake Charles, LA, 70601,at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4. Pastor Fred Seay will preside. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Betty Copeland Student Aid Fund at the church.