Pastor Delbert Copas, 73 of Rarden passed away on, Monday, March 27, 2023 at his home. He was born on February 6, 1950 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late William Francis Copas and Ester Robinson Copas. On August 12, 1972, he was united in marriage to Lelia Cockrell Copas. In addition to his wife, surviving are his children; Tonya (Wayne) Cooley, Kim (Alan) Swayne, Mark (Shari) Copas, Cyndi (Kevin) Jenkins, Kevin (Renee) Copas, Jay Dee (Jennifer) Copas and Keith Copas; grandchildren, Lisa, Blake, Garrett, Savannah, Austin, Gavin "Baby Moon," Valerie, Jesse, "Noodle" Nate, Jared, Jaxon, Lauren, Katie and Jamie; 6 great grandchildren; siblings, Roger (Delores) Copas of Cridersville, Eileen Comer of Jacksonville, Florida, Sue Conley of Dayton and Gail Harr of Dayton. In addition to his parents, Delbert was preceded in death by one grandson, Mikey Orban; sisters, Betty Ann Goddard and Diane Blankenship and brother in laws, James Comer, Harold Conley and Robert Harr.

Delbert was the Pastor of Mt. Joy Christian Church and was a traveling evangelist who ministered and sang in several states, sharing his love of God at numerous revivals. He worked 32 years at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility and gave back to his community by being a former firefighter for the village of Rarden and was the former mayor of Rarden. He was a proud Army Veteran where he was a tank operator and served his country during the Vietnam War. Delbert also brought many smiles to children in the area for over 40 years playing the role of Santa. His most important job was being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to his family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Mt. Joy Christian Church in Rarden with Pastor Bob Davis officiating. Burial will follow in U.P. Cemetery military graveside honors by Wm. Baker Post #363. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway. www.botkinhornbackfuneralhomes.com