Memorial services for former Springfield Mayor Copeland set

Services for longtime Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland, who retired in November after not seeking reelection, will be held in early February.

Copeland, a retired Wittenberg University professor, died Monday at 80 after a stay in hospice care. Visitation will be held Feb. 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Springfield City Hall Forum, at 76 E. High St., and a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at Springfield High School at 701 E. Home Road.

Littleton & Rue, owned by current Mayor Rob Rue, is handling services.

>> Former Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland: ‘He led with his heart’

Rue said Monday despite their political differences, he and Copeland worked together remarkably well, sharing a common interest and passion for the city and its citizens.

Copeland served on the city commission from 1988 through 2023. He was elected mayor by fellow commissioners from 1990 to 1994, and he served again as mayor from 1998 until his retirement. In 2003, he was the first mayor directly elected by city voters since 1914.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday asked that flags in Springfield be flown at half-staff through Saturday, following a request by Rue for the same.

Governor DeWine: Public buildings and grounds to fly flags at half-staff in honor of the life and service of former Mayor Warren Copeland.
Posted by City of Springfield, Ohio - Government on Tuesday, January 23, 2024

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About the Author

Jessica Orozco

Jessica Orozco covers crime, courts and government in Clark County for the Springfield-News Sun. She previously covered crime and courts for The Lima News, and before that, Orozco interned at The Columbus Dispatch on the metro desk. Orozco has a bachelor of arts in journalism from Ohio State University, from where she graduated in May 2022.