Jonathan Thomas Cooper

Jonathan Thomas Cooper, known lovingly by his friends as “Tom,” went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 4, 2017, at the age of 77 years. Tom was born in Greenville Mississippi on May 21, 1940, the son of Lynton Sparkman and Thelma Katherine (Blair) Cooper. He found and wed the love of his life, Irene (Cox) Cooper on April 4, 1959. The two resided in Mansfield, Ohio, of which Tom had been a resident for the past 61 years.

A hardworking individual, Tom devoted 29 years to his trade of brick masonry. He applied that same work ethic to his personal life and would go to any length to help a friend or family member - after a quick trip to McDonalds to chat and drink his morning coffee.

Tom enjoyed both playing and watching golf, and attended Journey Life Center for more than 35 years. His sense of humor brightened everyone’s life. Perhaps Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and sharing both their academic and life achievements with anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Irene Cooper; his son, Jonathan Thomas Cooper II and wife Pam of Shiloh; his daughter, Marcia Harmon and husband David of Ontario; siblings, Walter Wynton (Liz) Cooper, Joe (Carol) Cooper, Evelyn (Steve) Dean, and Kevin Cooper; his grandchildren, Adam, Erica (David), Eric, Marissa (Kyle), David (Alexandra), Jennifer, and Jonathan; his great-grandchildren,Vanessa, Trevor, Madalyn, Owen, Norah, and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynton Sparkman and Thelma Katherine Cooper; siblings, Lynton Sparkman Cooper II and Katherine (John) Majors.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at Journey Life Center, 2578 State Route 39 NW Shelby, OH on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Tom's name to Journey Life Center. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.