David Michael “Mike” Cooper
David Michael “Mike” Cooper, 72, of Marysville, Ohio (formerly of Waverly), peacefully passed on to his heavenly home after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Mike was born on June 26, 1951 in Portsmouth to the late Clarence and Lillian Cooper. Fifty years ago, on October 20, 1973, he was united in marriage to his devoted wife, Lana (Barker) Cooper, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, of whom he was extremely proud, Natalie (Cooper) and Erik O’Neil of Ostrander and Amanda Cooper of Chillicothe; as well as treasured grandsons Kavan and Lucas O’Neil. In addition to his immediate family, Mike is also survived by his sister, Emma Vanmeter of Piketon and brothers Gary (Sharon) Cooper of Waverly and Roger (Kandy) Cooper of Piketon; brothers-in-law, Wayne (Loretta) Barker of Piketon and Eric Barker of Piketon; as well as many much loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by his in-laws, Lloyd and Joyce Barker; brother-in-law and cherished friend, John Vanmeter; niece, Andrea Cooper; and great-nephew, Ethan Cooper. Mike spent his youth hunting and fishing along the Scioto River on River Road and labored on many of the river bottom farms. As a young boy he delighted in many 4-H activities with his pony, Trigger. In 1969, he graduated from Piketon High School, where he met many of his life-long friends. From agriculture to construction, entrepreneurship, sales, and insurance, Mike’s career path reflected a nature of curiosity, skill, hard work, and rising to the challenges he accepted. In 2019, he retired as the owner and agent of Mike Cooper Insurance Agency. Mike never met a stranger and always had time for a good conversation that folks didn’t realize they needed. Mike loved completely and had a rich life full of family, friends, and laughter. His list of favorite things was long and at the top of it was family. He showed his love through his generous spirit, giving his time and expertise to all who knew and loved him. Things that brought Mike joy included McDonald’s coffee, vintage cars, shooting sports, baking pecan pies, eating ham, farming and tractors, Pike County 4-H and market pigs, boating on Lake White, and a child-like fascination with helicopters. Mike drew great strength from his faith in Jesus Christ. He was baptized in 1980 at Dailyville Freewill Baptist Church and rededicated his life to Christ in 2008 with a public profession through baptism at New Covenant CCCU. In recent years, he attended Delaware Grace Brethren with his family. Mike’s family would like to thank the following for their compassionate and committed care during Mike’s cancer battle: Dr. Justin Smith, Judith Lima, N.P. and the James Cancer Hospital, Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio, Professional Case Management, and Cold War Patriots. Services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly, Ohio. Calling hours will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., with funeral service immediately following. A private graveside service will follow at a later date. As an alternative to flowers, please consider donating, in Mike’s name, to the Pike County Children’s Christmas Fund, a cause that was close to Mike’s heart. Donations can be sent to or dropped off at Pike County Children Services, 525 Walnut Street, Waverly, Ohio 45690. The donations will be used to purchase coats, toys, and other clothing to be distributed to children residing in Pike County during the Christmas season.
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