04/26/2026
Mark Cooper Obituary
Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 26, 2026.
Rev. Dr. Mark Lewis Cooper of Sandusky, Ohio, died April 14, 2026, at 8:22 in the evening. His passing followed a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Billy Louis Cooper and Oprah "Wilma" Doris (Horne) Cooper.
Mark lived a life defined by both deep curiosity and wide experience. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs, including working on the railroad, in a slaughterhouse, as a respiratory therapist, and as an orderly in a mental health unit. These experiences shaped his lasting understanding of people and a quiet compassion that followed him throughout his life. He was a man of remarkable intellect, a two-time Princeton graduate, a member of Mensa, and a "knower of all facts." Those who knew him also knew how funny he was.
He found joy in many things, including birdwatching, reading, writing, and long conversations over donuts. He had a lifelong fascination with sailboats and aeronautics, especially hot air balloons, ultralights, and hang gliding. He was someone who never stopped learning, never stopped asking questions, and never lost his sense of wonder about the world.
Mark's professional career was spent as a Presbyterian minister in churches across the country. Most recently, he served at Firelands Presbyterian Church in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he came as an interim pastor and remained for more than six years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jill (Sweetin) Cooper; his children, Andee Cooper, Zach Cooper, Brandon (Catherine) Cooper, Cameron (Stephanie) Cooper, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Carr, and Jeffrey (Kristina) Bundy; grandchildren Arlo Knutson, Jackson Cooper, Freya Cooper, Liem Cooper, Remy Cooper, Brock (Joci) Bundy, Ethan Bundy, Maisey Carr, Marcey Carr, and Mary Jo Carr, sister, Diane (Cooper) Pruitt, nephews Robert (Marissa) Pruitt, Jeffrey Pruitt, along with extended family members, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
He was predeceased by his parents and grandson Ross Carr.
Mark was a man of depth, curiosity, and quiet kindness. His passing leaves a space in the hearts of those who knew and loved him that cannot be filled, except by the memories he leaves behind. He leaves a legacy not only of faith, but of intellect, humor, and a life fully lived. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 7:4
A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The family will receive guests from 11:00-12:00, a service will be held at 12:00, with a celebration meal immediately following in the fellowship hall. All are welcome at Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452.
