Melvin Copas

Melvin G. "Bud" Copas, 81, of Fowler, and formerly of Oxford, died at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lafayette 9:55 AM Tuesday April 7, 2009 where he had been a patient since Saturday. Born in Benton County March 15, 1928, the son of the late Lee and Myrtle Sturgeon Copas, he was a life long Benton County resident. Mr. Copas was a 1946 graduate of Montmorenci High School and served in the US Army during the Korean War. He married Betty L. Hamilton at Perrysville, IN. November 21, 1956, and she preceded him in death March 18, 2009. Mr. Copas was a carpenter, having worked for Steven Conner from the early 1960's until 1978, when he went to work in the carpenter shops at Purdue University, working there until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Oxford Church of Christ; the American Legion Post 57 at Fowler and Battle Ground Masonic Lodge # 313. Surviving are 2 sons, Randy Copas (fiance Geraldine) of Pine Village, IN.; Darral Copas (companion Terry) of West Lafayette, IN.; a daughter, Diana Lomax of West Lafayette, IN.; 4 brothers, Charles Copas of Lafayette, IN.; Don Copas of St. Simon, Georgia; Steve Copas of Tyler, Texas; Norman Copas of Lafayette, IN.; and 4 sisters, Helen McBeath of Lafayette, IN.; Vivian Yarnall of Lafayette, IN. Vera Nelson of West Lafayette, IN. and Janet Sue Logan of San Angelo, Texas. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 2 brothers and 1 sister. Friends may call at the HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL HOME, Oxford from 5 until 8 PM Friday, with Masonic Rites at 7:30 PM. Funeral services at the HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL HOME 10:30 AM Saturday. Larry McMillan officiating. Interment in Justus Cemetery with American Legion graveside rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riley Hospital for Children. Memories and online condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com