Donald R. Cooper

Donald R. Cooper, 82, of Cicero Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Riverview Health in Noblesville, Indiana after suffering a heart attack. He was born on December 29, 1940 to the late Joe and Mildred (Cooper) Wilson in Pennington Gap, Virginia.

Don grew up in Sheridan, Indiana, with his family and lifelong buddies, Fred Spencer, Bud Wright, David Urban, and preceded in death by Dan McVey, Dick Purdy, and John Snethen. He took great pride in being a Sheridan Blackhawk, playing football and running track with the guys. Little did he know back then, these friendships would lead to 50+ years of fishing trips starting in 1968. He graduated in 1960 and went on to play some semi-pro football for the Indiana Mustangs as a tight end.

Don served his country as a Military Policeman in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. He was a driver for General Westmoreland while overseas in Vietnam, finished out his tour in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served as a Reservist until 1969. Upon returning home from Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Patricia, on May 16th, 1965. Together, they shared fifty-eight beautiful years of marriage, a daughter who Don was beyond proud of, three loved granddaughters, several boats and cars, and many wonderful memories.

Don worked for Peets Feed, then Biozyme, Incorporated, customizing nutritional needs for livestock. He enjoyed the travel, loved what he did, and continued to work on and off even after celebrating his “retirement” in 2013. He served as a mentor to many and was loved by his clients and coworkers. Don cared for the industry folks like family.

Known as Gramps to his granddaughters and their friends, Don never missed a lacrosse game, soccer game, or swim meet. He was there for the big moments like Veterans Day celebrations, graduations, surgeries, and school dances. He had a way of making the small moments like weekend sleepovers, fishing off the dock, or playing some Euchre feel just as special. He was so proud of all the girls’ accomplishments and was excited to see future goals be achieved.

Gramps loved to cook and bake, and he was great at it. He spent many Saturdays making jam or pickles with the girls, many Sundays making dinner for the family or grilling out with Jeff, and many Thursday dinners with his lifelong friends and their wives. He was known for picking food up from markets for friends, bringing fish home from trips for dinner, and dropping fresh cut watermelon or warm brownies off “just because he was in the neighborhood”. He was always thinking of others and truly enjoyed quality time with his friends and family. He loved to spoil the girls in his life, especially Pat. He gave the best hugs, had the sweetest smile, and was loved by everyone who met him. He never shied away from a project and was known to do the right thing. He was strong in his beliefs and genuinely kind to all. He will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia (Gang) Cooper; daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Potter; granddaughters, Sarah Potter, Hannah Potter, and Emma Potter; sisters, Jeanette (James) Lacy and Charlene (Carl) Whitworth; and his brother, Herman Ewing.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Don on Friday, June 30th, at 6:00pm at White River Christian Church. Following the service, please join us in the lobby for Gramps’ favorite desserts and to share your “sweet” memories with us.

White River Christian Church Address: 1685 North 10th Street, Noblesville, IN 46060.

The service will be streamed live at:  https://livestream.com/accounts/12230199/events/10892963

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Riverview Health Foundation in honor of the excellent love and care that was shown to Don and his family. A memorial donation can also be made to the Indiana 4-H Foundation.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com