Lawrence Odell Copeland

Lawrence was a professor emeritus of Michigan State University Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Department. He was not only influential in the lives of his family, including his five grandchildren, but also in the lives of many he taught over the years. He took a personal interest in the success of his students. He authored and co-authored several books in his field. This enabled him to travel to and lecture in many countries around the world, including China, South Africa, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Lawrence was active in his church, First Baptist of Okemos, and he served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Being burdened for missions, he also served on his church’s mission board.

After retiring from Michigan State University, Lawrence continued his own education by attending Lansing Community College to learn auto restoration. He took great joy for many years in retirement restoring antique automobiles and making new friends along the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, ValLeta Copeland, whom he met while they were both attending Oregon State University. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his brother Cecil Copeland, sisters Juanell Harper, Joy Gressett, Loma McAdoo, and Olene Beshirs. Lawrence is survived by his children, John (Connie) of Mount Joy, PA, and Deborah (Chris) Campbell of Cedarville, OH; his grandchildren Corey and Bethany Copeland and Kelly, Holly, and Abigail Campbell.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue East Lansing, MI 48823 with Rev. Thurman Payton officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home two hours prior to the service. The service will also be live streamed by the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lawrence’s name to United World Missions, PO Box 602002, Charlotte, NC 28260-2002 or Child Evangelism Fellowship, 4301 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48917

To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the Copeland Family please visit www.greastlansing.com.

View a livestream of the service at https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/66634

.