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ROY COOPER Obituary
THE LEGEND LIVES FOREVER! The celebration of Roy Boy Cooper's life will be held Sunday, July 25, 2010 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service 6360 Broadway, Merrillville, IN www.pruzinfuneralservice.com He is survived by four children: Roy (Dawn) Cooper, Adam Cooper, Blake (Nicole) Cooper and Diamond Cody Cooper; three grandchildren: Devyn, Mason and Dane Cooper; and sister, Candy Cooper
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROY COOPER
April
July 27, 2025
Was a good friend to my father John for so many year!! He was a good person with a big heart and helped as many people as he could. Live it up in paradise
Blake
March 12, 2025
I will never forget you. You inspire me every single day. RIP Legend
Tom James
July 18, 2021
Miss our get togethers in your office sipping Jack. Until we meet again my pal Rest In Peace.
reid
March 3, 2021
love you roy boy
Shawn mccaw
July 23, 2019
Got several tats done by Roy and Deb in the 80's before moving to Cali. In 2018 a young upcoming artist recognized Roy's work instantly ans said he was honored to meet someone with Roy Boy's work!!!!!!
gary joe
July 7, 2011
Roy Boy was a great person to know. He was a verry big inspiration to me...he showed me that putting plan into action and applying myself i could conquer any jump in life i needed to. I after 12 yrs of being out of the area figured i would go to thebadlands .com and see what ol Roy Boy was doing and couldnt get to the website.. then i started browsing the web and found out about his passing on. I wasnt real close to Roy but the time i spent in his presence was amazing he astonished me with his knowledge and history. Upon learning of his passing on i imediately shed a tear for the world... our world, tattoos and toys you will forever be in my heart R.I.P. you are G.B.N.F.
mark alvarado
July 1, 2011
Roy boy jr.
Naturally I pay my respects however I seem fit.I recently visited Chassity Ebole in Mobile,Al.She mentioned to me that your dad had passed away.I am sorry for your families loss.I had a telephone conversation with him once.I asked if you were around and all he could do was ask about you and wonder how you looked.All I had to offer him on his questions was to the mention of a few articules in Prick mag.and a few random tattoo articles.I hope your doing great.Nobody looks the same ROY JR.LADY KATIE has removed all her tattoos and is the same as CHASSITY.Supporting high end artist.Some how I have restrained myself from being to concerned about you that I haven't went to check on your MOMS.I would if i thought i to be important issue.But the news that was sent to me.Let me know that things are just fine.Take care.
[email protected]
Anarchmark.
Pamela Stasak (Vizena)
May 17, 2011
Dear Roy Jr. Im so sorry about your dad. He lived by my dad who passed away last year. I hope you remember me, you lived with us at Maryannes red house in Portage on Central ave. Im Pam Vizena. Im real sorry for your loss. Call me 7026282745 Im in Vegas.
January 2, 2011
I rember.walking into the shop I was young and wanted a tattooso so bad . Then a tattoo realy ment something there he was . Biger then life Roy Boy the shop
Had the smell of green sope.that ill never forget and I was hooked 255 tatts later. I have him to thank . At times he was hard to talk to then out of nowhere he would call and talk for hours. Roy was my friend and it was a honor to know him.
Dieter Herbstler
September 10, 2010
We lost touch in May when we moved to Arizona after being friends for 30 years and we just heard the news today. Roy Boy was a legend in his own time and a good friend. The wild memories will keep him alive in our hearts. RIP my friend!
Dieter & Irene
Christine Forystek
September 9, 2010
Rest in peace Roy. You will be missed dearly but never forgotten! You were one of a kind and you will live on in our hearts forever.
ROB H
September 4, 2010
ROBERT H
I AM WHO I AM BECUZZ OF YOU ROY.R.I.P.
rita word
September 4, 2010
Royboy, you will be missed, you are a great guy and true person...R.I.P
chazz matheny
August 14, 2010
rip roy sorry for your familys loss chazzmo aka the crazy indian is gonna miss u
janet sipes
August 12, 2010
rip royboy didnt know you very good but seen ya around here and there seen you at hobart parking lot when they had the bands playing you had the tiger and the police made you take him home for fear he would bite some one i do know every time i seen your tigers they always looked healthy to me restin peace roy boy
Juan Cruz
August 10, 2010
Roy,may you R.I.P.,I remember working out in the basement of your shop,you helped alot of people man. God bless!!!
D
August 7, 2010
RIP RoyBoy
Diane Hale
August 4, 2010
I only met Roy Boy one time.My brother took me to see him and the beautiful tigers.What a cool guy.ThanksMike for giving me the opportunity to meet a true Gary legend.
July 31, 2010
To the family and friends of Roy, please accept my condolences. Psalm 23. You are in my prayers.
July 31, 2010
Roy was a very talented artist as well as a friend to many. My late brother knew him & wore his ink & so did my late sister. Prayers to the family, R.I.P. Roy Boy.
Janet Ballantine Irk Salem In.
lisa east
July 30, 2010
Roy
Rest in peace
Jonathan Fleeger
July 30, 2010
R.I.P
sammetra saines
July 29, 2010
wow is all i can say!!!!roy boy was one of the coolest person i ever met...he did many of my tattoos!may your family be blessed in this time of need! roy boy will be truly missed!
July 29, 2010
RIP, Roy Boy...you did 2 of my tats. I was planning on you doing another one. One of the best tatoo artists in town! you will be missed--JAZZ
S S
July 29, 2010
Roy Boy did my first and only tattoo back in 1977. He was the only artist around this area at that time. He also did my mom's tattoo. He was the kind of person that could talk to anyone no matter what age or color. Rest in Peace and my thoughts are with his family.
ROY NELSON
July 29, 2010
Thanks Roy for the early memories. It was so cool to sit out front on our bikes and listen to your band. You were one of the great artists and your work and influence will carry on. --- Roy Nelson
July 28, 2010
My prayers go out to the family. Roy gave my lil bro & baby sister tats. His work was a true art, R.I.P.
tim lewter
July 28, 2010
R>I>P> ROY BOY
July 28, 2010
I can remember hanging out with my uncle and Roy...good times...good man....he is an amazing guy....
Diana (Henderson) Stanley
July 28, 2010
I can remember as a young girl living on Dombey Road going to the lake and here would come Roy and his entourage of friends down the hill and everyone would clear the way. Roys favorite thing was to clear the pier and take a running leap cannon balling into the water making a "Tidal Wave". Having not seen much of Roy down through the years caught a few glimpses of him and his beloved white Tiger in front of the store or driving around with the Tiger in the back. Like many have said he was a mystery but, even as a small child I thought he was a man that carried alot of power with him where ever he went. My sister called to tell me Roys Tigers had been taken away...I said to myself that is going to kill him. I know how much all his animals meant to him. I can remember marveling at all his tattoos especially one...a bee on top of his head. Even though I had not seen him in years I would wonder each time I passed a Parlor how Roy Boy was doing. Like I told a friend it hurts so much to know he is now gone...Roy may you R.I.P. and may your Family and Friends remember all the wonderful memories you left behind for them smiling through tears at my own memories of him. GOD Bless and keep you all...
judy clayburg
July 27, 2010
as the song says "only the good die young" looking at all these messages Roy Boy touched alot of hearts.i never met him would have loved to have gotten a tat by him,but will always remember him!!!!he was and will always be a icon for everyone!!seen him one time with one of his beautiful cats.my thoughts and prayers to his family!!!!
rick reeves
July 27, 2010
if it wasent for roy boy. none of us would be in the greatist bizz in the world. thanks man!
Dave
July 27, 2010
The world is a less interesting place with the passing of Roy Boy Cooper.
N G
July 27, 2010
My first and only tattoo was done at Roys' shop I so wanted him to do it but he was not able. That was done in 1997. I truly enjoyed meeting him. He will missed. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. N
Kim Wallace
July 26, 2010
I have been telling my son stories about you for years, I guess it has been about 40, we had planned to come to IN to get a tat from you together. I remember the old days with Roy Jr's Bug. You stood out from the crowd even back then. You were my friend and one of my heroes growing up. I won't ever forget you.
Rick [BDR]
July 26, 2010
Whats GO HARD OR GO HOME,ask Roy!Hammer down old friend,
jai Glen Park
July 26, 2010
u will be missed by all, i recently had a tattoo done in his shop on july of 08 and seen Roy ,just like on most occasions of seeing him he was a quiet spirit .u will be missed by all that know you....jai.. glen park
Rick & Stephanie Marcrom
July 26, 2010
To the family of Roy Boy, He gave me and my hubby our very first Tats! He will always be remembered for what he did best, he was a good man. May God comfort you all in this time of sorrow.
anita stanley
July 26, 2010
RIP Roy I will always remember you. You was to me a mystery man that I respected a lot.
Pamela Arnold-Vargas
July 26, 2010
To Jeanne,Adam and Blake and the rest of the Cooper Family. MY thoughts and prayers with with you at this time of sorrow. Roy was a unique man to say the least. He was a true icon in the tattoo industy. He made Tattoo's in Indiana what they are today.. He will be missed by all who knew him. Stay strong and know he was special.. R.I.P. ROYBOY COOPER.
vanessa villarreal-mourning
July 26, 2010
My condolences to the Cooper Family. I remember as when me and my sisters as lil girl playin outside while you and Debbie drive by with your tiger just wavin to us as we were amazed at the tigers. I remember going to your shop in Gary with my friend Nikki where she got her first tat by Ian Paris back in the 90's and you remember me living down the street from yous. Your legacy will live on through your children and grandchildren Rest n Peace
cathy asher
July 26, 2010
roy you will be missed rest in be my friend
Tim Mullins
July 26, 2010
RIP Mr Legend and a legend he was i remember back yrs ago seeing him at his dads house on clem rd and all the times i visited him when his shop was on the corner of broadway and ridge and talking with him when he was out on his boat on the lake he will be in our hearts forever and all the fond memories of him, as i remember him and debbie bringing the cats to the petro truck stop when i was a mgr there and debbie wanting to sell me the baby cat fancy you rock Roy..
"Tim Mullins" Portage, Indiana
b drummond
July 26, 2010
to a man who truly loved his tigers. what a inspiration he has been.
Cip Rodriguez
July 25, 2010
R.I.P. Roy Boy...Thanks for the tattoo and the drink we shared. Thanks for being apart of Glen Park for over 30 years. And thanks for being one of the coolest guys I knew.
Tammy Wyllie/Maye
July 25, 2010
Our Condolences go out to the Cooper family. Being a great Artist and great person that you were, you will always be remembered and very missed. We will always love and miss you..The Wyllie/ Maye Family. R.I.P. Roy.....
Steve and Pam Savanovic
July 25, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. We are very sorry for your loss. Roy Boy's legacy and artistic talent will live on forever in all the human canvases he touched. We are proud to be two of those that will carry on his legacy.
cannon
July 25, 2010
R.I.P. Roy Boy. you will be missed. thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Chris C
July 25, 2010
RIP Buddy! BADLANDS Forever........
Dee Lumpkin
July 25, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
David White
July 25, 2010
Roy Boy Cooper - The cars, bikes and boats that we enjoyed. I will remember those times forever and all of us at Whites will miss you dearly. Rest in peace my friend. David White and the staff at Whites Pit Stop.
Carol Fontleroy
July 25, 2010
A true artist...RIP Roy Boy!
Nick Martinez
July 25, 2010
Roy u will be missed and never forgotten..
Nick & Lynn Fleck
July 25, 2010
Knew you for many years, when you were living in that tiny apt. in Valparaiso. Our youngest daughter used to hose off your cats when they were hot. You'll be missed by a lot of people. Condolences go out to your children, grandchildren and sister.
Laura Dujmovich
July 25, 2010
I hope there's wiskey in heaven bud, have one for Red Beard and I
Richard Pacheco
July 25, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family of a great, and true friend. I remember all the talks we had, and the advice you gave me. I will miss you my friend, may you rest in peace.
Tom & Susanne "The Rockstars"
July 25, 2010
To the family and friends of Roy Boy, please accept our deepest sympathies... you are in our thoughts and prayers...
Terry Shuttz
July 25, 2010
I remember as a little kid growing up living next to Roy's father Roy Boy cracking the throttle of his Harley down Clem rd. in Portage. He took me out on his boat told me sit down and hold on while doing 80mph on the lake. Roy done what many of us don't have the guts to do he took chances and made his own way in life. He told me the best thing that ever happened to him was getting fired from the mill with a big smile on his face. RIP brother.
Debbie Walls
July 25, 2010
Roy Boy left his mark on myself and many I knew... they are treasured works of art to many of us. My thoughts and best wishes are with his family and dear friends.
VICKI
July 25, 2010
RIP ROY BOY U R IN GODS HANDS NOW U WILL NEVER BE FOR GOTTEN I MET U WHEN I WAS 17 BUT WAS SCARED TO GET A TATTOO BUT 3 YEARS LATER I DID AM PROUD OF IT.MY HEART GO;s OUT TO YOUR FAMILY.THEY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS
2009
joe shay
July 25, 2010
Sandi Kraft
July 25, 2010
My condolences go out to the friends and family of Roy Boy. He did my first tattoo 21 years ago. So I have a piece of him that will go on as long as I do.
Rocky schulz
July 25, 2010
WBF!...WE! BAD! FOREVER! The king did not die..He went home!.....
July 25, 2010
you will be miss
Ottie & Michelle And family
July 25, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Ottie VanCuren
July 25, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
King Loukie
July 25, 2010
Thanx Roy for the many Tats, and being a good friend to many and a ICON to the CITY of GARY! You will be missed ROY and again THANX you are in our prayers!!!
Shirley Plummer
July 25, 2010
Knew you a lot of years, Roy. So sorry to see you go. My prayers go out to your family. You are a legend and your memory will never die, especially with all of us who knew you. God keep you in His arms.
B
July 25, 2010
R.I.P
mike kelly
July 24, 2010
RIP my brother you will be missed
July 24, 2010
We have never met you Roy, but we know your son Adam very well, and we are so pleased to know such a wonderful young man, he is like on of our own son's! May you rest in peace, Bud & Peggy Hessling
Sheila Kuna
July 24, 2010
I will miss you Mister Roy Boy. You were there for me when nobody else was. Your kindness was never forgotten.
George Budzinski
July 24, 2010
Before Roy's tigers, before his snakes - in the old days when Roy tatoo in an upstairs apartment on Lincolnway in Valparaiso, Indiana - 35+ years ago, we shared the wind, tats & good times. RIP, my friend.
Ottie VanCuren
July 24, 2010
Rest in peace Roy, I will Always have the tattoo you gave me. You will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting you!
Cynthia Firestone
July 24, 2010
Oh~~those days out on the lake~~BBB~BAD~ TO~THE~BONE.~~~Always~Cynthia Firestone
Gigi Madison-Badger
July 24, 2010
Feeling sad is what I experienced when I read that Roy Boy had his animals taken away....the same feeling happened again when I read of his passing....My deepest condolences to the Cooper Family..
I can honestly say I truly admired him not only for his talent, but for the many interesting conversations that we had as he was putting "art" on my body...His work is and will always be a one of a kind....
I remember all his animals as if it were yesterday....he was a good friend that attended a Memorial Day cook-out in Merrillville a few years back and how I recall everyone that was there the look on their faces as Roy and some of his friends arrived in the black truck with one of his tigers'....it was a cook-out that we will never forget...!!!!
Thank You Roy for sharing your talent, but mostly...your friendship...
Rest in Peace My Friend....
Tom & Juanita Trowbridge
July 24, 2010
To Roys friends and family, I met Roy Boy in early 60's because he lived in a house next to my Aunt and Uncles. The first time I ever saw or heard a Harley Hog was him firing it up and jammin down Clem Road. After those early times regretfully I didn't stay in contact with him, I admired his shop and his reputation was amplified by his ink work. Nothing could compare. Please accept my shared sympathy. R.I.P. Roy Boy Cooper!! 8)
Cherri Keller-Hope
July 24, 2010
R.I.P. "uncle" Roy! My life would not have been the same without you and your family, You tought me so much!
Greg Louthan
July 24, 2010
RIP?..not for Roy....half the angels are sporting ink already...Good-bye my ole friend...Your wild ride thru life was something to witness....you have changed not only how i look..but how i live....Time for you to ride home..........
Shawn McCaw
July 24, 2010
I show his work on me with alot of pride as Roy Boy is legendary and helped bring Body Art out of the shadows and into the Mainstream.
TJ
July 24, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Roy Boy. He did my first tatt 24 years ago ~ a great story that I still enjoy sharing with my family and friends. May you find peace and comfort in the words of so many people who were magically touched by him.
Maria magana
July 24, 2010
God,send the angel too get the best flower,and he brought him,Roy Boy Cooper.
LISA
July 24, 2010
RIP ROY BOY. YOU WILL BE MISSED. PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY. THIS IS A BIG LOSS FOR THE TATTOO WORLD. WISH I WOULD HAVE NOT CHICKENED OUT AND WOULD HAVE RECEIVED MY FIRST TAT FROM YOU.
Glen Danzig
July 24, 2010
Take Crae my freind!
Faye Thomas
July 24, 2010
My Sorrows are with your family. Roy Boy will be greatly missed, he gave me my one and only tatoo, he was a asset to our community. Thanks Roy Boy for staying in Gary when all the others left. Rest In Peace Roy Boy!!
Deborah Roberts
July 24, 2010
Roy Boy was an incredible person. He was the friend down the road I thought would always be there forever. I will miss driving by and seeing him sitting out front of the shop. Love You, God Bless.
SONJA TRIMBLE
July 24, 2010
MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS R WITH U AND UR FAMILY. U GAVE ME MY 1ST TAT. R.I.P. ROY BOY COOPER. UR GONNA BE GRAVELY MISSED. SAY HELLO TO MY MOTHER WILLIE ETHEL FOR ME.
Donna Cabrera
July 24, 2010
Cody, I am so sorry for your lose. I am praying that God will give you peace and strength. Mrs. Donna Cabrera (your teacher at Liberty Baptist Academy)
NELSON
July 24, 2010
RIP ROYBOY COOPER,KNOWN YOU MANY YEARS AND YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
Lee Thompson
July 24, 2010
Excellent artist! God Bless!
July 24, 2010
We lost an artist. May you rest in peace and my God Bless and keep your famly close. Cueball Hammond, IN
kathy devault
July 24, 2010
to the family of roy boys,i am very sorry to hear about ur loss of this wonderful man he was deeply loved by all who did know him & will be greatly missed by every one too but he is w god & his work has been done here on earth remeber all the great things about him always u will always have a special place w us all may god be w you now & forever more!
travis f
July 24, 2010
July 24, 2010
FRED RETIC
July 24, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
jacky medanich
July 24, 2010
you were a good friend to my husband john now you can be friends again our sincere condolences to your family
Heather Harrison
July 24, 2010
With deep sorrow my heart goes out to the family and friends of Roy Boy Cooper. A true legend in every sense of the word. I am proud and honored to have been able to call him friend. Twenty years ago he gave me my first tattoo and told me "You'll be back." I was. We became friends. Roy was a simple man. He loved what he loved, his Cats, his Harley's, and Tattooing. He was what he was and lived a very full and memorable life. He brought so much to this world. He was one of the most honest and upfront people I have ever known. I have very fond memories of him and he definitely changed my life. He will be greatly missed. Always in my heart,with love, God Bless You Roy!
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Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service - Merrillville6360 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
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