Lakewood Funeral Chapel
98 North Dixie Drive
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
Friday, April 21, 2017
5:00pm-8:00pm
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Funeral Service
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1307 W 5th St.
Freeport, TX  77541
Saturday, April 22, 2017
10:30am
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Gerald "Spud" Wade Copus

of Lake Jackson, TX

September 26, 1935 - April 16, 2017


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
On April 16, 2017, Easter Day, Gerald "Spud" Copus was promoted to Glory. He was born September 26, 1935 in Midland, Michigan to Carl and Ulah Copus. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nola Copus, his children Greg and wife Lynette of Michigan, Scott and wife MaryLynn of North Carolina, Sandi, and Chris and wife Darla, all of Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Geoffrey, Megan, Kimberly, Joshua, Jill and husband Joseph Rivera, Dan, Carter, and his great-grandchildren Wade, Johanna, and Leo. He is predeceased by his parents, his siblings Jack, Peggy Wall, Del and Larry, and his grandson Andrew. Spud was an avid fast-pitch softball player until the age of 40. He would have played longer but there were no nearby fast-pitch teams when the family moved to North Carolina in 1975. In 1979, the family made the move to Texas where Spud became a loyal member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. There, he took up a service he practiced as a young boy, acolyting. For the next 20 years Spud was the acolyte for each church service. During his years of acolyting he trained several fellow parishioners to acolyte and was known to be a stickler about the proper way to acolyte! About two months ago Spud had to retire from acolyting due to poor eyesight. Spud also helped with all the church's fish fries, pancake dinners, and anything else that needed doing around the church. He was the "go-to" guy for the church. On the day he died, Easter Sunday, the church was short an acolyte so Spud stepped up. Christ said, "Carry your cross and follow me", and Spud did one last time. He spent his last day with those he loved- his Lord, his church family, and his Texas family. Spud loved spending time with his family and especially loved when his great-grandkids and his Michigan and North Carolina families came to visit. He also enjoyed his "morning coffee guys" and could be found most mornings at McDonald's trading stories with his buddies. Spud had a tender, giving heart. He is loved dearly and will be missed terribly. Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons. The family will receive friends at Lakewood Funeral Chapel on April 21 from 5-8 pm. Spud's funeral will be April 22 at 10:30 am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Freeport with the Rev. Robert Dohley officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Freeport, TX.

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3 Condolence(s)
Jerry and Margo Nielsen
Midland, MI
Saturday, April 22, 2017

Dear Nola,
So sorry to read about Spud's passing in the Midland Michigan paper. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Spud.
We still reflect on the trip to Nashville Tennessee that we took with you so many year's ago so you could meet up with Spud. We had some laughs didn't we?
The two of you have always been faithful servants to God. May Spud rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father. God bless you and your family. With love, Jerry and Margo Nielsen, your Midland church family

Chuck Snyder & Bill Cryer
Leesville, LA
Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Every time I think of Spud, I remember him smiling. He was one of the many members of St. Paul's that welcomed me warmly when I first arrived and continued to be kind and welcoming my entire stay in Freeport. He and his lovely wife, Nola, even welcomed us into their home. Such a wonderful man; he will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Nola and their entire family.

Shawn Rider-Schubert
Corinth, TX
Monday, April 17, 2017

Nola and Family,
Please know I wish I could be there. I am so very sorry for the loss of Spud. He was an amazing man, always so calm...great memories and such a great family man.
I am traveling in MN this week but please know my heart is with the entire family. I love you all and cherish your friendship. Many hugs and prayers are sent your way. Love,
Shawn