It is with the utmost sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our fellow compatriots. Darrell Cooper passed away on August 2, 2023. After a short bout with a very aggressive form of cancer, he died at home on his eighty-first birthday, after living his life his way, laughing, loving, and leaving a legacy. A private gathering to celebrate his life was held at home. Written below is a heartfelt obituary honoring his legacy.
Darrell Cooper, a remarkable individual whose life was filled with extraordinary achievements, profound impact and cherished memories, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves a legacy of leadership and core family values.
Darrell was born in Jonesboro Arkansas and lived in Egypt Arkansas until age four when he moved to Pontiac Michigan with his parents Horace Edward Cooper and Ruby Mae Dedmon Cooper. He attended various elementary schools, graduated from Waterford High School in 1960, and then attended Arkansas State University. While there, he lost his winter sweaters and his Elvis Presley record albums while playing poker, learned to play billiards and dominoes at the local pool hall, and married Charlotte Pugh of Jonesboro in 1963.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, he moved to Clarkston Michigan, and after working for several companies to learn various skills, was hired to manage Fernco Joint Sealer Company. He increased production, products, profits, and moved the company from Ferndale to Davison. As a key figure in the growth and success of Fernco Inc., Darrell's dedication, leadership, and innovative spirit paved the way for the company's prosperity and a lasting Legacy for the Cooper Family.
Mr. Cooper was an early supporter of Youth Home, a behavioral health care facility, and of Oasis Renewal Center, both located in Little Rock Arkansas. He received the Arkansas Traveler Award from Governor Bill Clinton in 1983.
In 2000 he was the Arkansas State University Distinguished Alumnus. In 2003 ASU received a significant monetary gift from the Coopers, which went toward the construction of a multipurpose facility available for meetings, receptions, and community events. The Cooper Alumni Center officially opened in 2008.
Mr. Cooper took an active volunteer leadership role at Eastern Michigan University, serving as chairman of the College of Business Development Board and as a charter member of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees. He served as treasurer and chairman of investment committee, chairman of the board, and was a Trustee Emeritus. He volunteered as chairman of the EMU Campaign for Scholars, which exceeded the goal of $12M. With a significant gift from the Coopers, the Cooper Endowed Chair in Leadership was established in the College of Business Management Department. He received the EMU Distinguished Service Award and in 1994 he received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.
Darrell liked fishing, flying his Cessna airplane, pheasant hunting, golfing, Gin Rummy, and traveling. Believing that travel was educational, he visited six continents and numerous countries with family, friends, and business associates. He attended the Tigers Fantasy Baseball Camp in Florida and wrote a book about that experience. He also wrote three books about his grandparents - The Cornbread Philosopher, Big Mama’s Cornbread, and Mo’ Cornbread.
Coop’s Coupes, his car and motorcycle collection, includes the race car he drove at Waterford Hills Sportsman Club. He stopped racing when he tired of wearing fireproof underwear and a helmet with his blood type stamped on it. His fishing boat was named “My Way”, after the song recorded by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Most photos show Darrell with his family, friends, dogs, and cigars.
The Cooper family has a rich heritage, and Darrell was a member of the Jeremiah Clark Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution.
He is lovingly remembered by his family - wife Charlotte Pugh Cooper; children Chris Cooper (Laurie Helin), Mark Cooper (Sandy Husted), Heather Cooper (James Herbert); grandchildren Cory Cooper (Celeste Grey), Jake Cooper, Kyle Cooper, Kayla Cooper, Caitlin Cooper, Nathan Giuli, James Giuli, Claire Giuli; great-grandson Coi Cooper; sister Cindy Cooper Myers (Rick Myers); nieces Lauren Myers Mocilac, Lindsey Myers Middlecamp, Erin Myers Monk.
The Darrell Cooper Scholarship Fund helps those in need of financial assistance when seeking higher education. If you wish to honor Darrell with a donation, please write checks to Fernco Inc and designate the DHC Scholarship Fund. Mail to Fernco Inc, 300 S Dayton St, Davison MI, 48423.