Gary Gene Copen of The Lodge Retirement Community in Cincinnati, formerly of Pleasant Plain, OH, went home to be with the Lord on June 29, 2025, at the age of 84. Gary was born on January 24, 1941, in Pleasant Plain, OH to Henry and Mildred Copen. Gary is survived by many dear church members and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Copen, parents, Henry and Mildred (nee Peters) Copen, uncle and aunt, Bill and Mary King.

Gary graduated from Goshen High School in 1959. Then he earned his Bachelor of Science in education from Wilmington College and a Master's in Education from Xavier University. Gary was a lifelong member of Pleasant Plain Presbyterian Church. He taught for 30 years in the Wilmington School District.

Friends will be received from 10 AM to 12 Noon on Thursday, July 3 at Pleasant Plain Presbyterian Church, 10198 St. Rt. 132, Pleasant Plain, OH, where services will begin at 12 Noon. Rev. Kevin Waters officiating. The interment will take place at Goshen Cemetery, Goshen TWP, OH.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Gary Copen to the Pleasant Plain Presbyterian Church, PO Box 38, Pleasant Plain, OH 45162 or to the Harlan TWP Fire Department, PO Box 155 Pleasant Plain, OH 45162.

Pallbearers for Gary are: Doug Cormany, Steven Sargent, Paul Long, Tim Williams, Jamie Whitacre, Steve Schoellman, Marie Williams and Vernon Stone.