Joseph 'Joey' M. Copenhaver, 25

ELKTON, Md. - Joseph "Joey" Michael Copenhaver, of Elkton, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. He was 25. Born in Elkton on Sept. 30, 1983, he was the grandson of Bernice Copenhaver of Elkton, and the late Carl Copenhaver; and son of Brian Copenhaver, Spring Hill, Fla., and Amy Jo Smith, Chesapeake City. Joe was a 2001 graduate of Bohemia Manor High School and was attending Delaware Technical and Community College. While a student, he worked as a server at various local restaurants, and had previously worked for Chrysler Corp., Newark, Del. An avid athlete, his passion was soccer. Joe played youth soccer, including the '83 Rebels and the '84 Jaguars, as well as high school and collegiate soccer. He also played in numerous indoor and outdoor soccer leagues. In addition to soccer, he was an all-star baseball player in the Elkton Little League and continued to play through the Babe Ruth League. Joe played youth league football, positioned as running back for the North East Indians. As a junior at Elkton High School, he was kicker for the varsity football team. Joe was a skilled snowboarder and skateboarder and also rode dirt bikes. In addition to playing sports, Joe was a fan of Cristiano Renaldo, Cal Ripken Jr., Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins, and the Oakland Raiders. He also enjoyed playing cards and singing karaoke. As a youth, he attended Media Mennonite Church, Oxford, Pa. More recently, he attended Southside Baptist Church, Dover. In addition to his paternal grandmother and father, survivors include his siblings, Kelsea Copenhaver, Jourdan Copenhaver, and Kyle Draine; niece and nephews, Lillea Raines, Ryan Raines, and Kevin Johnson III; uncle, Greg Copenhaver and wife Deanna; aunt, Denise Copenhaver and husband Ed Whiteman; and cousins, Brittany Copenhaver and Andrew Copenhaver, all of Elkton. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Betty Jo Trexler; brothers, Justin McGuire and Robert Smith III; aunt, Bobi Jo Wilson and husband Terry; and cousins, Samantha Wright, Steven Ashby, and Olivia Wilson, all of Elkton. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Monday at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 W. Stockton St., Elkton. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home, and Monday beginning at noon. Burial will be in North East Methodist Cemetery, North East.