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Paul Cooper Obituary
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Born on October 8, 1949, Paul was the son of Charles Ray Cooper and Pauline Rae Cooper.
Paul graduated from Denair High School in 1967 and attended Modesto Junior College. On August 16, 1969, he married Edna Moon. Together they had one son, Shawn Cooper (Nicole). Paul was a proud grandfather to Maci, Gianna, and Taryn Cooper.
Paul began his professional life at International Paper and later worked at Paul's Paint and Glass before dedicating 34 years to the Turlock Irrigation District, retiring in 2019.
A lifelong lover of baseball, Paul's passion for the game began at age seven in Hayward, California. He started coaching during his senior year of high school and continued for an extraordinary 58 years. He mentored hundreds of players, emphasizing not only the fundamentals but also sportsmanship and teamwork. In addition to coaching, Paul umpired games and served on the Little League Board. He also played men's softball and competed in the Senior Softball World Championship in Utah.
Paul was an active member of Kiwanis for 23 years, where he organized the club's weekly breakfast meetings and managed the Turlock Christmas Parade.
Above all, Paul found joy in supporting his granddaughters as their biggest cheerleader, traveling across the country to attend their cheer competitions. Known for his ever-present smile, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humor, Paul brought warmth to everyone around him.
His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched both on and off the field.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Pauline Cooper, Sister Charlene Cooper
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years Edna Cooper, Son Shawn Cooper (Nicole), Granddaughters Maci, Gianna and Taryn Cooper, Sister Pam Jessee and brother William Cooper (Robyn). Nephews Jerry Jessee (Kristi), Chris Cooper (Amanda), Nieces Nicole Fontes (Seraphin), Ashley Sestini (Tyler) and 10 great niece and nephews
A Memorial Service will be held at Connecting Point Church on May 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM, 3200 East Monte Vista Ave, Denair CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Jim Greff
June 19, 2025
Just learned through a FB posting and wanted to give my deepest condolences to the Cooper family. Paul was a young man when I met first him in 1969, and I called him Coach. He was truly one of the best - he didn´t just coach the fundamentals of baseball, he also taught the fundamentals of being a better person. I know his influence far exceeded us youngsters on the baseball field. May our great and loving God hold your family tight as you grieve his passing!
- Jim Greff
Mary Lou Munoz
May 15, 2025
Paul was an absolute pleasure to work with at TID. He will be missed. Sending my love and condolences to the family.
Sandra DeCasso
May 15, 2025
My condolences to the family. I had the honor of working with Mr. Paul and he was simply one of the best, both at work and outside of work.
Brent Allen
May 14, 2025
Edna, Shawn, and family. Paul was very instrumental in shaping many Little Leaguers in his lifetime, and I was one of them. He became a friend as I got older and even a neighbor nearby. He was always about the "right thing", whether it was baseball or life. My sincere condolences to you and your family. He was Turlock American Little League and for many years, International Paper. Thank you for the pleasant memories as a 10-12 year old boy.
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Cathy Hernandez
May 14, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Paul at TID. Such a lovely man and so kind to me. My condolences to his family and friends.
Martin Qualle
May 10, 2025
Paul was a friend and fellow employee. I was always pleased when Paul stopped by to visit. He was a pillar of the Little League for forever. he gave so much time to all the Turlock Youth. He always encouraged everyone to do the right thing. He led by example. When I became a coach he took the time to help me in anyway he could. Paul definitely left the ballpark better than he found it. Rest in peace, you make Turlock a better place.
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