Jeremy Allen "Jerry" Cooper

1929 - 2025

DELAND - Jeremy Allen "Jerry" Cooper, 96, passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2025, at his home. A memorial service will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand. Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at noon.
Jerry was born Aug. 27, 1929, in Columbus, Ohio, where he was raised alongside his younger sister, Carolyn, and younger brother, Dick.
He graduated from Bexley High School before attending The Ohio State University. A proud Buckeye, Jerry was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and a longtime and active supporter of The Ohio State University Alumni Association and the Quarterback Club of Central Florida.
Jerry built a successful career in business, owning and operating Tropical Magic Distributing Co. and Rent Rite Office Machines in Central Florida for many years.
After moving to DeLand in 1989, he transitioned into a career as a financial advisor with AmeriLife, a role he continued to enjoy into the 1990s and beyond.
An avid and accomplished tennis player, Jerry competed well into his 80s, winning numerous tournaments throughout Florida in singles and doubles play.
He was a proud member of the DeLand Country Club, and also enjoyed golf and bowling.
A devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, Jerry never missed a chance to cheer on his teams. Beyond sports, he had a true passion for travel and spent his life exploring the world.
Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jeanne Cooper, and his son Grant Cooper. He is survived by his sons Christopher Cooper, Rusty Cooper (Lynn), Brett Marshall (Kristy) and Darren Marshall; granddaughters Kayla Crescenti (Danny), Britnee Adams (Ryan) and Kourtnee Marshall; and his great-grandson, Miles Adams.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice in Jerry's name. Lankford is in charge.