Ted Cooper Obituary
Visit the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Crooks Road website to view the full obituary.
Ted Bernard Cooper, 75, of Troy MI, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Ted was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 13, 1950. He very proudly served in the United States Marine Corps where he learned discipline, maturity and learned how to be a man. After returning from service he taught classes at the Arthur Murray Dance School in Toledo, Ohio. He loved to dance and did so in nightclubs, where he then met the love of his life Judy. They married in 1970 and spent every waking moment together.
Ted was a born salesman. He began his career by going door to door and selling encyclopedias. It was challenging but he absolutely loved it. In 1974 he started at Reynolds & Reynolds, a top national provider of dealership management systems. He knew at that time he wanted to sell computer software to car dealers the rest of his life. During his time there Ted was awarded "Top Salesman" in the company numerous times. After only 3 months working there he received his first bonus check. Ted and Judy used that as a down payment to build a house in Troy, MI where they remained, and raised their family.
In 1985 Ted left Reynolds & Reynolds to start his own company. With Judy by his side they created what is now a thriving family business celebrating 40 years this year. He loved what he did and was always eager to share his love for the car business with everyone. He always said he was just a "car guy". His favorite places to be were with Judy and the family, and behind his desk talking on the phone with customers selling his software. He will always be remembered as a visionary with endless ideas. He always had some creative idea in the works!
Ted enjoyed playing poker, playing pool, woodworking and spending time with his family whether here or up north in the woods. He looked forward to his weekly breakfasts with his best friend (brother) Ray.
Ted lived large and lived passionately. He loved his family and he loved people. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Beloved husband of Judy for 55 years. Loving father of Jeff (Amy), Steve (Amanda), and Jennifer (Geoff). Proud grandfather to Justin (Camilla), and Katie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted Cooper Sr., Vallie and Don Waggoner. Dear mother and father in law Helen & Ryder Claflin. And sister Sally Jaso.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple/Big Beaver) Troy, MI 48084.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 12:00pm at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ted's memory to either Wounded Warrior Project by clicking HERE or the American Heart Association by clicking HERE
Ted was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 13, 1950. He very proudly served in the United States Marine Corps where he learned discipline, maturity and learned how to be a man. After returning from service he taught classes at the Arthur Murray Dance School in Toledo, Ohio. He loved to dance and did so in nightclubs, where he then met the love of his life Judy. They married in 1970 and spent every waking moment together.
Ted was a born salesman. He began his career by going door to door and selling encyclopedias. It was challenging but he absolutely loved it. In 1974 he started at Reynolds & Reynolds, a top national provider of dealership management systems. He knew at that time he wanted to sell computer software to car dealers the rest of his life. During his time there Ted was awarded "Top Salesman" in the company numerous times. After only 3 months working there he received his first bonus check. Ted and Judy used that as a down payment to build a house in Troy, MI where they remained, and raised their family.
In 1985 Ted left Reynolds & Reynolds to start his own company. With Judy by his side they created what is now a thriving family business celebrating 40 years this year. He loved what he did and was always eager to share his love for the car business with everyone. He always said he was just a "car guy". His favorite places to be were with Judy and the family, and behind his desk talking on the phone with customers selling his software. He will always be remembered as a visionary with endless ideas. He always had some creative idea in the works!
Ted enjoyed playing poker, playing pool, woodworking and spending time with his family whether here or up north in the woods. He looked forward to his weekly breakfasts with his best friend (brother) Ray.
Ted lived large and lived passionately. He loved his family and he loved people. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Beloved husband of Judy for 55 years. Loving father of Jeff (Amy), Steve (Amanda), and Jennifer (Geoff). Proud grandfather to Justin (Camilla), and Katie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted Cooper Sr., Vallie and Don Waggoner. Dear mother and father in law Helen & Ryder Claflin. And sister Sally Jaso.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple/Big Beaver) Troy, MI 48084.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 12:00pm at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ted's memory to either Wounded Warrior Project by clicking HERE or the American Heart Association by clicking HERE
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