William R. Cooper

William R. "Bill" Cooper, 75, of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at his home in Ashtabula, due to complications from cancer. He was born on March 29, 1950, in West Union, OH, to parents Chester Dale and Alma Mae (Welch) Cooper and was a graduate of Roth High School in Dayton, OH in 1969. He was a hard worker and started working at the young age of 14 as a caddie at the local golf course and continued working until October of 2022 when his illness caused him to retire. Bill worked for 50 years as an Over the Road Truck Driver, spending 16 years with Harnett Trucking, 8 years with Matlack Trucking and he was a proud owner/operator OTR driver for 20+ years for BR Cooper Trucking. He had a long and successful career and was awarded numerous driving and safety awards. He was a Protestant, loved motorcycles and riding his Harley. Bill enjoyed being with his friends and their many adventures in their "men behaving badly group", loved fishing, hunting, and golfing. Bill was an amazing man and a friend to all, his smile lit up the room and was always ready to help a friend in need. He loved all his dogs, his beloved Bailey, Peanut, Elbow, and Mr. Muczy. Bill was a loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and was loved by all. He had a wonderful laugh and gave the best hugs ever; he will be truly missed by many. Bill is survived by his fiancé and caretaker, Judith Baker; daughter, Luara (Darryl) Stone; grandchildren, Samantha Sheaffer and Taylor (Steve) Lester; siblings, Randy Cooper and Connie (Ken) Ledbetter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Mae Welch Cooper and Chester Dale Cooper; brothers, Dale Jr and Rodger. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 3-5pm at Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041. He will eventually be buried at Saybrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, dontations can be made in Bill's name to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004, and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. The family would like to thank Phyllis and Richard Schoville and Richard Czerr for their support, and the nurses at Siedman Cancer Center, UH Geneva, Sieman Cleveland UH Infusion Center, Siedman 3rd floor nurses and UH Cleveland. Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements. (440) 361-2273. www.lakeeriecrematory.com.