Harold Glenn Copas passed away on October 2, 2026. He was born on January 31, 1938, to Jack and Vera Copas. He grew up in Oklahoma City, where he developed an early love of sports, playing both football and baseball. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School and went on to have a long and successful career with AT&T before retiring.

On February 11, 1961, Harold married the love of his life, Elrae. For 60 years, they built a life centered on family and filled with adventure. They loved riding their Harley, taking drives along the Talimena Drive, water and snow skiing, spending time at the lake, and traveling together. Elrae was Harold's biggest fan and could often be found in the stands cheering him on while he coached softball.

Harold and Elrae welcomed their daughters, Traci Lee in 1962 and Shelli Rae in 1964. Family was always at the center of Harold's life, and becoming a dad and later Poppy were among his greatest joys. He was Poppy to granddaughters, Hailley and Hannah, and later to great-grandchildren, Charlee, Ellie, Poppie, and Henry. He had a special way of making his daughters, granddaughters, and great-grandkids laugh and feel loved. His family will remember that playful, silly, tender side of him just as much as the strong and hardworking man who spent his life taking care of everyone else.

Softball was another great love of Harold's life. For many years, "Coach Copas" served as a pitching coach for the Oklahoma City University softball program, leaving an impact on generations of players. He never knew a stranger and filled the clubhouse with laughter, good food — anything but beets — and war movies on the television. He shared not only his knowledge of the game but also the humor, loyalty, and heart his family knew so well.

Harold worked hard, sacrificed without complaint, and consistently put his family's needs before his own. More than anything, he wanted the people he loved to be taken care of and okay. Harold showed his love through his actions — by providing, protecting, fixing, showing up, and simply being there.

Harold will be remembered as a strong, generous, and loving husband, dad, Poppy, brother, uncle, coach, and friend. More than anything, he leaves behind generations of people who knew what it meant to be loved and cared for by Harold.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Vera Copas; his sister, Wanda Daniels, his daughter, Traci; and his beloved wife, Elrae. After a lifetime of loving and caring for his family, Harold is now reunited with his beloved Elrae and his daughter, Traci.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelli Copas; granddaughters, Hailley Payne and Hannah Holcomb and her husband, Christopher Holcomb; great-granddaughters, Charlee Payne, Ellie Holcomb, and Poppie Holcomb; and great-grandson, Henry Holcomb.

To his family, he was Dad and Poppy. To generations of softball players, he was Coach Copas. Whatever you called him, knowing Harold meant being loved by Harold.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams is Friday, October 9, from 9am-8pm. Additionally, the family will be having a non-traditional gathering at the OCU softball fields on Friday night at 6pm. This will be a Celebration of Life Copas style. Come casually dressed in your ball caps and t-shirts, enjoy a ballpark snack and share your favorite memories of him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.