July 17, 1960 – October 31, 2025
Phillip Harlan Copas, 65, of Clear Lake, died Friday, October 31, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1009 9th Ave South, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428, with Rev. Josh Link officiating. Burial will follow in the Clear Lake Cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. A Scriptural Wake Service will take place at 6:00 p.m., Thursday.
Phillip was born July 17, 1960, in Britt, Iowa, the son of Clifton and Virginia (Johnson) Copas. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1982.
In 1991, Phillip moved to Opportunity Village (now One Vision), where he was a resident for many years. While there, he worked in several departments—his favorites included the greenhouse, where he helped raise plants and flowers, and the kitchen. Phillip took part in many other programs/activities One Vision, including Special Olympics, the Bell Ringers, and religious education classes. His faith was very important to him, and he was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Clear Lake.
In 2014, Phillip moved into a Home Community Based house, where he continued to thrive. He had a great love for music, especially anything that was 50’s & 60’s. With his love for music, he had his own jukebox in his home. He loved to dance attending many events at the Surf Ballroom. Another of his favorites was Dancing for Downs. He attended many concerts and musical performance at the NIACC Performing Arts Center and always looked forward to the annual Lady of the Lake cruise. He spent many days going out for supper with his friends whether it was for a cheeseburger and fries at Perkins or Spaghetti at the Other Place. His latest favorite was a love for anything Snoopy, and you never saw him wearing a shirt, pants, or some article of clothing that didn’t have Snoopy on it. He also collected Snoopy memorabilia over the past couple of years.
Phillip loved his family and One Vision family dearly! He grew up with 6 brothers and 4 sisters and was involved with all family activities throughout his life. He acquired the nickname “Odie” from his father when he was young, which was a family nickname. He also enjoyed all the huge family picnics and celebrations. He brought so much joy to all of us, with his smile when he looked up at you and his little wave to say hello. He also loved animals, especially cats and dogs, spending many days at the Humane Society interacting with animals. When relaxing, he could often be found watching his favorite channel, KIMT Channel 3 and most recently he enjoyed those old classics, such as Petticoat Juction and Gunsmoke. His favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz.
Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, Edward (Kolene) Copas, Diana Allen, Douglas (Jo) Copas, Altha (Andy) Garfin, Greg (Deb) Copas, and Monica (Don) VerHelst; his aunt, Shirley (Robert) Metzger; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins; as well as many One Vision staff members, caregivers, and residents.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Virginia Copas; siblings, Louetta Best, Vince Copas, Tim Copas, and Tom Copas; and niece, Megan Lynn VerHelst.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428. 641-357-2193