Carl Leslie Cooper

Carl Leslie Cooper, 68 of The Woodlands, Texas was born on a U.S. military base in Japan on January 5, 1957, to the late Ralph Emerson Cooper and Priscilla (Nickerson) Cooper. He departed life on October 7, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous fight against Non-Hodgkins Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma.

Carl grew up in Lexington Park, Maryland, where he attended school in the St. Mary’s County school system in Southern Maryland. Carl worked in various positions within the St. Mary’s County school system before joining the United States Army in 1983 as an Armor Driver/Crewman (M48 and M60-A1), serving three years at Fort Riley, Kansas. Upon returning to Maryland, Carl worked for Environmental Balancing Corporation - Sheet Metal Workers Local 100 Union as a helper and then advanced to journeyman as an Air Balancer Mechanic, dedicating over 20 years until his retirement in 2015.

Known for his quiet demeanor and calm spirit, Carl cherished watching football and relaxing at home with his wife, Debra. He traveled extensively across the United States—visiting places like New Orleans, Houston, Colorado, Arizona, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Ohio—and journeyed to international destinations such as Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Cancun, and Los Cabos, Mexico. A skilled swimmer, Carl always found time to snorkel during his travels. In 2016, he and Debra retired to The Woodlands, Texas, joining a vibrant 55-and-over community. Carl quickly established close friendships and earned the reputation of a true Texan among his neighbors.

Carl loved trying different foods, especially sweets and junk food. He took great pride in his home and lawn, often offering helpful advice—solicited or not—to others. Whether it was washing his vehicles weekly or repairing household items, Carl approached every task with dedication, seeking friends’ advice when needed. His family and friends deeply respected him, admiring his sharp sense of humor and knack for storytelling. From childhood, Carl enjoyed dressing up as a cowboy, a passion that continued into adulthood through visits to the gun range with friends.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents Ralph E. Cooper and Priscilla (Nickerson) Cooper; two sisters, Mary Langley and Robin Cooper; a brother Stephen Cooper; and his beloved dogs, Nikki, Kojack, Zoey, and Lola.

He is survived by his wife Debra Cooper; his former spouse Gloria Proctor and their daughter Temeka (Alfred) Moore; stepdaughter Shawnte Adams; six grandchildren - Nina Washington, Nyla Washington, Jayden Moore, Tre’lyn Moore, Joel Brown, and Justin Brown; brother, Michael (Rainey) Cooper; sister, Tamara (Matthew) Kaye; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Carl’s memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDAnderson.org/Gifts), P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or the American Cancer Society.