Gary Dean Cooper, Sr.

Gary Dean Cooper Sr., 90 years of age, and a resident of Wakeman, passed away  November 3, 2022, at New Life Hospice.

Gary was born November 1, 1932, in Norway, West Virginia where he was raised.  He moved several times between PA and WV until eventually making his way to Ohio.  

Gary worked as a maintenance welder for 35 years at Lorain and Avon Ford Motor Company. He was a member of the Vermilion Church of Christ. Outside of church and work, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting and camping with family.  He was very mechanical and could fix just about anything.  He enjoyed bluegrass music, watching Gunsmoke and thoroughly enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians and was fortunate enough to be able to attend in 2016, game seven of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.   By far his greatest joy was his family, whether helping them with their work projects or just spending time enjoying each other's company. 

Survivors include his children, Gary (Marcella) Cooper, Jr., of Lorain, Ruth (Lester) Prados of Wakeman, Bradley Ray (Kim) Cooper of Amherst, Wendy Baker of Lorain; eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren, with one on the way; five great great grandchildren; his siblings, Fairy Milbaugh, Sandy McCaskill, Susan “Deanie” Moffatt, Harold Cooper, Bonnie (Garrett) Cooper, Eva Lou Cooper, Richard Cooper, Annette Cooper, and Robert Cooper.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of six one years, Mary Marie (nee Warrington); siblings, Marvin Cooper, Charles “Dicky” Cooper, Lori Bell Jones, Roberta Parrack, Golden Andrew Cooper; and his parents, Golden Andrew and Fairy Ruth Cooper (nee: Freeland).

Friends may call Sunday, November  6, 2022, from 3–7 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022, 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com .  Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township, Ohio.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gary Dean Cooper, Sr., please visit our Tree Store.