Norman Dean Cooper went to be with Jesus at the age of 91, on September 23,2026 at his home south of Edna, KS in Craig County, Oklahoma, on the same farm where he lived almost all his life. He was born on the farm on January 5, 1935, during a snowstorm, to JR & Minnie Marvel Cooper. His brother Stanley was five years older, and ten years later his sister Carolyn arrived.

He attended school at Hawkins, south of Edna, Stoney Point, which was located on the farm, and then graduated from Edna High School.

Dean served his country for two years as a member of the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He was a tank mechanic and was well respected for his quality of work, even receiving a medal for good conduct.

He married the love of his life, Jeri Jeanette Wester, on December 31, 1955, when he had weekend leave from the Army.

Farming was his life’s work, raising mostly wheat and cattle. There were also years of hogs and chickens, and he did most of his own mechanic work, as well.

In addition to farming, Dean operated a bulldozer for parts of three decades. He always operated heavy equipment smoothly, like it was an extension of his own hands. He built ponds and waterways and cleared brush all around the area. He could drive down the road going anywhere and point out numerous ponds and dirt work he had done.

Dean loved to tell stories about Army life and his bulldozing years, and enjoyed fishing on his farm ponds, most of which he built. He and Jeri would regularly go for rides around the farm in their side by side. He loved his family and enjoyed reading books to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, making each one feel special.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeri, son Kenneth Cooper and wife Jeanine, daughter Kathy Penner and husband Bill, grandchildren Gregory, Nathan, Sarah, Rebecca, and spouses, six great grandchildren, and sister Carolyn Hutchens and husband Jim.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Stanley.

Services will be at held under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel at First Baptist Church,200 W Miami St, in Edna, KS, where he attended all his life at 10AM on Monday, September 28, 2026, For those who wish to watch the live streaming of the service visit the church’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlN6IetU_J_QsDFwbtb0Ug

Memorials can be made payable to First Baptist Church of Edna and may be left in care of the chapel or mailed to Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS 67337. To leave an online message of condolence or share a memory visit his obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com