Horseman Leroy Copeland passes, age 81

Columbus, OH — Leroy B. Copeland, 81, of Felton, Del., died Dec. 25, 2021.

Mr. Copeland was born in Bad Axe, Mich., to the late Roy and Anna Copeland.

He was a well-respected driver, trainer and owner of Standardbreds, and raced at various tracks throughout the United States, Canada and New Zealand, starting his career in 1958. He was leading driver at Foxboro, Rockingham, Wolverine, Hazel Park and Northville. He also worked as a starter at Foxboro and in Maine.

When talking horses, he once said that his all-time favorite was Edgewood Creed, a winner of $150,027. Other horses that stood out for him included Marvin Crain ($198,133); After Five ($252,047); Goshen Cup winner Sir Carlton; Warfield, who set the track record at DRC; and Charter Captain, the first son of Meadow Skipper to stand at stud in Michigan.

Mr. Copeland loved horses and the business and even at 81 made it by his son’s Vincent’s barn for a visit and to see the horses on most days.

Mr. Copeland has four surviving children with his first wife, Catherine Copeland Wozniak: Vincent (Teri), a driver/trainer and owner in Delaware and Michigan Hall of Fame driver, Cheryl (Mike) Spencer, Brenda (Leo) Sucharski, and Monica (Marty Albright). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole, Danielle, Sarah Spencer, Grant Spencer, and Katelyn Stewart; his spouse, Phyllis, also a longtime horsewoman (a trainer/owner in Delaware); stepsons, Roger Plante (a driver/trainer in Delaware) and Christopher Plante; sisters, Joan (Glenn) Mittlestat (owners in Michigan) and Elaine (Dale) Hager; nieces and nephews, Melvin Mittlestat (driver), Mark Mittlestat (driver), Ruth Ann Matusik, Diane Sheridan, Mary L. Van Boven, Candie Hager and Nathan Hager.

Mr. Copeland enjoyed spending time with family, learning about new things, going to the barn, watching the races, baseball and football. He will be remembered as a likable person who was friendly and outgoing.

A memorial service will be held on Friday (Jan. 14) at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy, Harrington, at 2 p.m., with a visitation for family and friends starting at 1 p.m. A burial service will be held in Michigan at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home; please visit www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.

From the USTA