Lewis William Coppel, MD passed away peacefully October 18, 2023 at the age of 99.

Lewis was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on December 31, 1923 to the late William and Vinnita Coppel.  His father and his loving step-mother, Ethel, raised him in Chillicothe where he attended Chillicothe public schools, graduating as an honor student in 1941.  He attended the University of Michigan for his undergrad where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Lewis joined the US Army and was sent to Yale University to continue his pre-med studies.  He then returned to the University of Michigan where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in December, 1946.  He remained a Wolverine fan and cheered on the Maize and Blue his entire life.

On December 15, 1945 he married the love of his life Marilyn Nancy Seward who passed away  on April 15, 2019.  They had four children, fourteen grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.  He dearly loved his family and spent much time making many memories with them and they dearly loved him. His children are Lewis William Coppel, Jr (Susan), Beth Coppel Germann (Gary), John Seward Coppel (deceased, March 22, 2021), Paul Standish Coppel (Lori), 14 grandchildren, Justin, Jesse, Cody and Michael Coppel; Mark and Matt Germann, David Borger Germann and Sarah (Germann) Street; Lewis and Scott Coppel; and  Stephen, JD, Kevin and Christina Coppel and 18 great grandchildren.

Lewis completed two years of medical training at Grace Hospital, Detroit and Michigan Veterans Facility, Grand Rapids.  He opened his private practice of Medicine and Surgery in Chillicothe, Ohio in June 1949.

In February 1951 Lewis volunteered to serve in the US Air Force and attended Flight Surgeon's School in   Randolf Field, Texas during the Korean Conflict.  After multiple assignments in eastern United States, he was discharged in February 1953 designated as an Aviation Medical Examiner, with the rank of Captain.

Lewis again opened a medical office in Chillicothe in 1953.  He held all offices in the Ross County Medical Society, including President and served on committees in the Ohio State Medical Society. He was a life-long member of the American Medical Association and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice.  He was Chief of Staff of Chillicothe Hospital as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of the hospital. He served on the Ross County Board of Health, Board of Ross County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Ross County Unit of the American Cancer society.

Lewis was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as Elder and Trustee. He was a Mason also belonged to the Chillicothe Rotary Club.

Lewis retired in 1985 He was a life member and served on the Board of the Trustees of the Ross County Historical Society, Local, state, and national history were a life-long interest of Lewis. He studied Family history, genealogy and ancient Egyptian history during his retirement.  He was an avid and lifelong hunter.  He loved to travel, visiting many Civil War battlefields and historical sites in the US, as well as travel to Europe, Egypt and many other countries.  His hobbies included sailing, golf, snow skiing, photography, and coin collecting.

Lewis will be remembered for his love for his family, his community, and being a compassionate doctor.

Friends may visit from 3-4 pm Friday, November 3, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church 13 Mead Dr., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 before the service at 4pm officiated by James W. Grove.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ross County Historical Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.