Wayne L. Cooper's Obituary
Wayne Leslie Cooper, age 92, of Muskegon, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2023. Wayne was born April 30, 1931, to Ormond and Dorothy (Somers) Cooper in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. As a young teenager, he met his future wife while working in the onion fields in Ravenna. Phyllis (Stewart) and Wayne were married on October 19, 1950, in grandma Edna Garvey’s house. They moved to Kentucky where he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He worked as a cook and earned the Good Conduct Medal. Wayne earned a ministerial certificate from the Association of Fundamental Ministers and Churches, Inc in 1973, and served churches in Wayland and Nunica for 6 years. Wayne was known for his very strong work ethic and retired from Baker College in Muskegon as the Building and Grounds Director in 1996. In his retirement he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing and turkey hunting. He loved to play his guitar and harmonica in church. He and Phyllis sang in a music group for years and recorded many songs together. He also loved traveling to Florida to spend time with family. Wayne is survived by his wife of 72 years, Phyllis; son, Martin (Brea) Cooper; sister-in-law, Donna Cooper; nieces, nephews, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons, Burton and Thomas Cooper; and his grandson, Greg Cooper.
A service to celebrate Wayne’s life will be held at the American Legion Sherman Moore Post 297, 3590 Conklin St, Ravenna, MI 49451 on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11:00 am. Family is encouraged to bring a side dish to pass in true family reunion fashion for the luncheon dinner following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for your consideration of donating contributions toward funeral expenses. Donations can be made through Lake Michigan Credit Union to the Wayne Cooper memorial fund. Arrangements entrusted to The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St, Ravenna, MI 49451. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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