Stephen Marshal CopasStephen Marshal Copas passed away at his home on Oct. 5, 2017. Steve was born on August 4, 1934, in Oxford, Indiana, and graduated from Mt. Morenci High School and La Salle University. He was a member of the  U.S. Navy from 1953-1957. He worked for National Homes for nine years, and then began a 22-year career with Proctor and Gamble. Not one to sit idle, he then served as a petroleum landman for 11 years. Lovingly known as "Papa" to his family and friends, Steve joined the Tyler community in 1963 before marrying his wife in 1964. He was a member of the Henry M. Bell Masonic Lodge, Sharon Shrine, East Texas Petroleum Landmen, and a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Christian Church Tyler. Steve grew to love the theatre and proudly served as an actor and president of the board for the Tyler Civic Theatre.Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Amo "Lee" and Myrtle Copas; brothers, Cecil Copas, Lee Copas Jr., Melvin Copas, Charles Copas and Donald Copas; and sisters, Helen Macbeth, Maravene Rasmussen and Vivian Yarnal. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy "Jan" Copas of Tyler; daughters, Stephanie Forbes of St. Charles, Illinois, Samantha Greene of Tyler, and Tammy Jolly (Robert) of Combine; brother, Norman Copas (Linda) of Lafayette, Indiana; sisters, Sue Logan (Don) of San Angelo, and Vera Nelson of West Lafayette, Indiana; grandchildren, Cooper Forbes of Elmhurst, Illinois, Kelsey Newland (Christopher) of Kansas City, Missouri, Abigail Greene of Tyler, and Christopher Jolly of Combine; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.Steve enjoyed playing a good game of golf, fellowship with friends during Monday night football, watching the Chicago Blackhawks, and especially rooting for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. However, his true passion was spending time with his family. Steve's legacy will continue within each of us. He taught us the importance of faith, the virtue of honesty, and the importance of kindness. Memorial services will be held at First Christian Church, Tyler, Saturday, October 7, at 3 p.m. with Chris Pulliam officiating. Visitation for friends and family will immediately follow the service.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Christian Church Tyler, The Hospice of East Texas or .