Jeffrey W. Cooper

Jeffrey (“Jeff”) Wade Cooper, 69, of Fillmore, Indiana passed peacefully June 5th with his loving wife of 50 years, Joy (King) Cooper, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and many family and close friends by his side.

Jeff was born February 9, 1956, in Oceanside, CA, to Charles “Gene” Cooper (1st SGT USMC retired) and Ernestine “Ernie” Cooper. Born into a military family, Jeff was the fifth of six Cooper kids. He was jokingly referred to as the “quiet one” out of his siblings, though his booming laugh was anything but. Jeff possessed a quiet strength, even as a child, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those he loved. Following his father’s retirement from the United States Marine Corps, Jeff and his family returned to Indiana where he attended Cascade High School and graduated in 1974. During his time there, Jeff was a member of both the varsity football and wrestling team. Donning the #33, Jeff helped lead one of the winningest Cascade football teams in school history. He was a coach’s ideal player; he personified words like grit and determination. Following graduation, Jeff followed in the footsteps of his father and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, unlike his three not-so-smart brothers who joined the Army.

While at Cascade, Jeff met the love of his life - Joy. The high school sweethearts fell in love and married on August 31, 1974. Shortly before getting married, Jeff enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, advising his lovely wife just weeks beforetheir marriage. Upon completion of Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, Jeff and Joy were on their way to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Jeff served faithfully for 3 years. Jeff exemplified the Marine Corps motto of “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). He had an unwavering loyalty to those that he loved and a sense of duty that he maintained throughout his lifetime.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Jeff, Joy, and their daughter Amy, returned home to Indiana where Jeff farmed for his Uncle Morris Hampton and drove a school bus for Mill Creek Schools (1978-1987). When Uncle Morris retired from farming, Jeff went to work at the airport as a maintenance mechanic and later joined Allison Transmission in 2010 and retired as a Millwright in 2024.

Jeff was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and Pa. He is survived by his family - wife Joy; daughters, Amy (Bob) Phipps, Holly (Mark) Trump, and Stephanie (Robert) Myers; eightgrandchildren: Maddy Thomas (Zane), Emma Phipps, Grace, Lane, Malia, Brogan, Ruthie, and Elias Trump; five siblings: Charles Cooper (Betty), Sherry Douville (Arthur), Courtney Cooper (Sharon), Vickie Whitaker (Ralph), Eric Cooper (Trisha).

Jeff was a passionate supporter of his family and was proud to cheer loudly at any games, meets, or matches sporting the Danville Crimson and Gray, but most often the Cascade Black and Blue. Through decades of sports seasons, he managed to only get thrown out of a game once. We were all blessed by his commitment to his family and friends. His family is a direct reflection of his character thanks to his example of honesty, integrity, hard work, and perseverance.

Jeff was also a man of great faith. He gave his life to Christ in September of 1995 while on a mission trip to Mexico. This mission trip sparked a fire in Jeff that led him to attend many more mission trips, and become a member of Hazelwood Christian Church for 25 years and then 4 years at Clayton Christian Church.

To say we will miss him is an understatement, but we hold on to the hope of reuniting in eternity. But until then, we know his loving goodbye would be one or some of the following, “Semper Fi”, “See you ‘round like a donut”, “Come back when you can’t stay so long”, or “Peace be with you”.

Funeral services will be held at Clayton Christian Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11th from 4pm - 8pm. The memorial service, with military honors, will be held on Thursday, June 12th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation, one of Jeff’s favorite organizations or to the Alzheimer’s Association