Donald Lamar Cooper, a lifelong resident of Decatur, MS died on December 4th, 2021 at the age of 83 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Don is survived by his wife, Martha Cooper; his Sister Linda Strahan (Jerry) Angola, IN; his children, Monty Cooper, Decatur, Lance Cooper (Kathy) Brandon, MS, Brian Cooper (Lori)Denver, NC; his grandchildren, Brooks and Haley Cooper, Brandon, Chloe Cooper, Decatur. He is preceded by his father and mother, Joseph Clifton and Helen McMullan Cooper.

Don was born on August 7th, 1938 in Detroit, MI. He moved to MS in 1952 and was a star basketball and football player at Decatur High School. He also played football at East Central Junior College. On June 11 1960 he married Martha McAlister, his high school sweetheart. He was employed at the Mississippi Department of Transportation for 35 years as Maintenance Supervisor. He was also an Air National Guard Master Sergeant with 29 years of dedicated service for his country.

He was a member of Clarke Venable Baptist Church and was very active in his Sunday school class and their activities. As a young man he enjoyed fishing and golf. Golfing took over as his primary hobby and was a member of the Decatur Country Club and played two to three times a week. Don was also a member of the “Chain Gang” at East Central Community College and helped pull the chains at the Warrior football games for 52 years.

He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, brother, father and grandfather. He loved his three sons and his three grandchildren. His golf group will remember him as a fierce competitor and great and loyal friend. He was willing to do whatever he could to help someone out if they needed help.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday December 9th at Clarke Venable Baptist Church in Decatur, MS. Service will begin at 12:00 pm at Clark Venable with graveside to be held at Decatur Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend many thanks to Clarke Venable Baptist Church, Pastor Mark Vincent, Pastor Dr. Rex Yancey and Stephens Funeral Home of Union, MS.