Herbert C. Copling, 79, passed quietly in his sleep at home on Tuesday morning, February 5, 2013. Herb was born on May 21, 1933, the second youngest of eight children.

He joined the Marine Corps in January 1951 and fought in the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal, a Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, a U.N. Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal.

Herb is survived in death by his wife of nearly 58 years, Rosa May Copling nee Miller, whom he married on February 20, 1955. Herb and Rosa had six children: Larry and his wife Cyndi, Carolyn Johnston and her husband Dirk, Steve and his wife Sonora, Ron and his wife Robin, Herb and his wife Sharon, and Ken, each of whom witnessed the Christian values Herb demonstrated in his daily life.

Herb is survived by two brothers, Robert and Art, and three sisters, Georgia, Geneva, and Ethel. Herb is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Herb served as a deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church for over 38 years and was a devout man of God.

He spent many of his retirement days out in his wood shop honing his skills as a carpenter. Herb was a pro-football fan and enjoyed spending time with Rosa. Herb was preceded in death by father and mother, Arthur and Merle (Mize), and sisters Hester Land and Helen Reiner.