Dean Edward Cooper Sr went to his Heavenly home early Sunday morning on October 18, 2020. Dean was born on May 25, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William Henry Cooper and Velma Grady Mozingo-Cooper. As a young child, his family moved to Plumerville, Arkansas. Dean always enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in Arkansas on the farm. In the late 1950's, his family returned to Tulsa where Dean graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1961.
In August of 1963, Dean met the love of his life, Brenda Marcum. They married 3 months later on November 23, 1963. Together they had two children, Dean Jr- whom he nicknamed "Dinky Donkey" and Crystal who he loved to call "Toot-Toot". Dean and Brenda raised their family in Tulsa and spent the next 56 years by each others side until he was called home to Heaven.
Dean worked in the tool grinding business for most of his life. Working alongside his brother Amos at Custom Cutters and Toolco, Dean realized his enthusiasm for the precision tool industry. In 1977, Dean opened his own business- Dean's Grinding Service, which is currently in operation today run by his daughter Crystal and son-in-law Tony; who worked beside him for 25 years. Dean worked hard to provide for his family, often working 15 hour days. He found life-long friendships in many of his customers. In 2016, as Dean's health started to decline he made the tough decision to retire. Although he wasn't activily involved in the business, Dean never ceased to ask about his customers or work.
Dean enjoyed various activities. His favorites included fishing, hunting, OU Football, Nascar, western movies, and watching wrestling with his grandsons Chase and Levi. However, above all his hobbies, he most enjoyed sharing the Gospel of Christ. Dean was called to the ministry in 1978. He served the Lord faithfully until his health prevented him from attending church on a regular basis. He was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
Dean loved and proudly boasted about his family. He constantly expressed how much he loved his wife, children, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a "Bobo" and "Papa" to many, not just his immediate family, but all the children and teenagers who vistited his home.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents:William Henry Cooper and Velma Grady Cooper, mother-in-law: Janie Marcum, brothers: Amos Cooper, Gary Cooper, and Wayne Cooper, and best friends- Leroy Ezell and James (Jimmy) Horse.
Dean is survived by his wife of 56 years- Brenda Cooper, children- Dean Cooper Jr., Crystal and Tony Horse, Paula Kumpf, grandchildren- Chase Cooper, Levi Cooper, Elijah Horse, Abigail Horse, Faith Horse, Penny Cornelius, Jerry Cornelius, and Stacy Cornelius. Great-Grandchildren- Kimberlynn Cooper and Jordin Cooper.
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