Justin Patrick Cooper, 39 of Calvin went to be with the Lord on July 2nd, 2020. His life was tragically taken along with four other family members as a result of a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina.
Born in Beckley April 26th, 1981, he was the son of R. Leon Cooper and Jane O’Brien Cooper. His father preceded him in death in December.
A graduate of Midland Trail High School, Justin briefly attended WVU and went to follow his dream of working at Walt Disney World, Orlando. He was a Lion King puppeteer, various parade characters, Tigger and other costumed icons. After several years he returned to West Virginia and entered restaurant management.
Justin was a member of Sunday Road Baptist Church, Hico. As a youth, he was actively involved in rallies, camps and the creation of the church’s first puppet ministry. He volunteered in various roles with Historic Fayette Theatre and frequently participated in local charity events. He also worked several holiday seasons at the mall as Santa and the Easter Bunny making children laugh and cry.
Justin had a gregarious personality and could quickly bring a smile to those he met. He enjoyed camping and exploring the West Virginia outdoors.
He is survived by James Salisbury, Jane Cooper, Sister Courtney (Joshua) Bennett, nieces Lily and Mac and his extended Salisbury family.
Justin was a cancer survivor committed to genetic studies and research participation to further the progress of a cure.
Service will be at 1:00pm, Saturday, July 11th, 2020 at Sunday Road Baptist Church, Hico with Pastor Allen Donaldson officiating. Due to social distancing guidelines, there will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation to either the WVU Medicine Children’s Building Fund or the American Cancer Society.
WVU Medicine Children’s Building Fund c/o WVU Foundation, PO Box 8200 (ROCII), Morgantown, WV 26506 or at www.secure.give.wvu.edu.
American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or at www.donate3.cancer.org.
Online condolences may be left on our website at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, WV.
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