R. Dean Cooper

February 14, 2023

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R. Dean Cooper, 96, of Mulberry, Ind., died February 14, 2023 at The Springs of Lafayette.  He was born on November 30, 1926 in Manchester, Illinois to George and Lucille (Antrobus) Cooper. He married Julianna Wright on September 5, 1948 in Quincy, Illinois and she preceded him in death in 2005.

Dean was a 1944 graduate of Winchester High School in Winchester, IL and attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC and Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, IN.  He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1945 to 1946, serving in the Philippines.  He was minister of various churches in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Iowa for 55 years, retiring in 2003.  He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Frankfort.

Memorial donations may be made in Dean’s honor to the Baptist Children’s Home, 354 West Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Visitation and Services

A Public Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. EST on Monday, February 20, 2023 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort, Indiana.  A Graveside Service will be held at 1 p.m. CST on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Manchester Cemetery in Manchester, Illinois.  

Survived by:

Surviving are his Children:  Ila D. (Arthur) Schai of Lafayette, IN, Perry D. (Dalila) Cooper of Lafayette, IN, and Bruce D. (Janice) Cooper of Victoria, TX; Brother: Neal (Shirley) Cooper of Manchester, IL; Several Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; along with several Nieces and Nephews.  

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his wife: Julianna.

Memorial Video

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8 Condolences for “R. Dean Cooper”

  1. Faith Camp February 15, 2023 at 5:13 pm

    I remember Dean and the family so well from when we lived down around Manchester. What a blessing his long life has
    been to so many. Now he will be in his eternal Home at last.

    Reply
  2. Ruth Ann Hudson Awson February 15, 2023 at 5:37 pm

    Have many memories through the years. He was special in my growing up years. My brother and I were the flower girl and ring bearer at your parents wedding. Dean sang at our wedding. Many visits through the years. He was blessed with a long life here and serving our Lord faithfully. What a homecoming he must have had.

    Reply
  3. Rita Barnett February 15, 2023 at 8:52 pm

    What a great honor it was to have known him. He was so pure hearted Love for LORD and taught me how love right.

    Reply
  4. Brenda McMillin February 15, 2023 at 9:19 pm

    Dean was so helpful to me on several occasions.
    He sold me Julian’s sewing machine and lots of her supplies. I think of her every time I use it. I am so glad they are together again.

    Reply
  5. Linda S. Clark February 16, 2023 at 9:59 pm

    Pastor Dean was very involved in our family for many years, I cut his hair for a while so our kids would say “they wanted the Dean Cooper hair cut”. He always asked about Allen, I kept him posted as to how he was and is doing. He even gave us money for Carlton to go to Shepherd in Wisconsin and had me donate the money for someone else when he did not go . Such a giving and loving heart. We know he is happy being with wife.

    Reply
  6. Sue Spradlin Walker February 17, 2023 at 7:35 am

    To the Cooper Family,
    My prayers and sympathy for you all. I wanted you all to know that Dean led me to the Lord many years ago at a Manchester Baptist Church Bible School. I’m unsure of the year, probably 1958 or 1959. I’ve never forgotten his talking with several of us who wanted to be saved that day. It’s a day I’ll always remember!
    Blessings,

    Reply
  7. Dennis Rusty Ropes February 17, 2023 at 5:15 pm

    always in my prayers

    Reply
  8. Denise & Jeff Bushman February 20, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    Dean is so very special to our family. He ministered to us on many occasions and was there for us through some struggles. He loved us unconditionally and was like a father. I enjoyed helping him with your mom as support as well. We were blessed to have both Dean and Juliann as Grace Baptist Church family. We celebrated several anniversary dates together in September! Looking forward to being with both of them someday in heaven. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate his life.

    Reply

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