Kenneth C. Copeland

Kenneth Charles Copeland, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 3, 2015. He was born on September 7, 1943 in Hillsboro, Ohio to George Thomas Copeland and Mary Louise (Glaze) Copeland. Ken, always known to his family as "Chuck," graduated from Taft High School in Hamilton, Ohio in 1961. On October 26, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Cheryl Shelton at Tri-County Assembly, a place that was their second home for many years and which has always been their spiritual home. It was here that they were brought together in Christ and met many of their dear and treasured friends. Tri-County Assembly is also where Ken began his dedicated involvement in the music program. His beautiful tenor voice allowed him to touch so many so deeply, with nothing more than a song. He brought peace and joy through his voice. Ken's first job was working as a barber; however, after getting married, he began working for General Motors, where he remained until his retirement in 2001. Together, Ken and Cheryl had three children and instilled in them a deep and abiding faith in God.

Ken was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life, nourishing those around him with love, faith, and music. He exhibited a rare and selfless love for his wife and children. Ken's life was truly dedicated to the happiness of his family.  His primary goal in life was to leave a legacy of Christian faith; an example of a faithful husband and loving father and grandfather.

Ken was liked, and then ultimately loved, by all who knew him. He was selfless, warm, and witty and he never knew a stranger. Very few souls have the ability to make genuine connections and understand, just by a glance or a touch, what was needed to make a person feel at ease. This was Ken. All the people whose lives he touched are better for having known him.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, G. Cheryl (Shelton) Copeland; sons, Brent (Sherri), Brandon (Katie); daughter, Kristin (Russell) Gleis; six grandchildren, Hannah, Ethan, Caleb, Ty, Allie, and Lucy; three sisters, Julia (Mike) Yamashita, Carol Copeland, Mary Lou Derry; one brother, Thomas (Faith) Copeland; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Funeral services will be 12 Noon, held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Tri-County Assembly, 7350 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Ohio, with Pastor Brad Rosenberg officiating. The family will greet friends starting at 10:00am, with the service beginning at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park, 2421 Princeton Road, Hamilton, Ohio. Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com