Jackie “Jack” Stoops Cooper, aged 86, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, at his home in Parkersburg, W.V.
In his own words, he “learned the Big Secret.”
Born on July 13, 1940, in Parkersburg, Jack was the son of the late Robert and Hazel Cooper of Pettyville, WV. Jack graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1958 and worked a series of jobs before retiring from the West Virginia Division of Highways as comptroller for various districts. Following his retirement, Jack worked for Carl Kelly paving and continued working various side jobs with his best friend Sam Beverage.
Jack was known for his generous spirit, quick wit and charm. In his younger years he was an avid golfer, hunter, attended his grandchildren’s sporting events and was a lifelong fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers and Cleveland Browns. Jack was also a longtime member of Moose International and loved to socialize.
He is survived by his daughters Carmen Dowler and Lori Higgins (Jeff), both of Parkersburg, sister Cheryl Stephens (John, deceased) of Mineral Wells, and step-children Monty Ford (Ellen), of Burgoo, WV and Gibby Ford (Zinash) of Savannah, Ga., his grandchildren Brian Dowler (Rebecca), of Delaware, OH, Sara Schoenlein (Simon), of Parkersburg, and Broc Higgins of (Port St. Lucie, Fl.) and his devoted and longtime significant other, Sheila Parks, of Parkersburg, as well as granddaughters Aubree and Jaclyn Schoenlein and Emily Dowler. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marion Lou Cooper, and siblings, Robert Derwood “Herky” Cooper and Joann McCord.
A special thank you to the caregivers who helped him in his final year of life, Cheryl Rowlett, Brittane Earl, Brittney Ashworth, Tonya Taylor and Randy Cantley.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with family visitation at noon, public visitation from 1-3 pm with service following at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences may be left at www.leavittfuneralhome.com
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