Dean Cooper, 84, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on November 8, 2026. Born July 30, 1942, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dean lived a life marked by steady devotion to family, faithful service to country, and a quiet strength that showed itself in the way he worked, the way he spent his time, and the way he cared for those around him.
Dean served in both the Navy and the Army, answering the call to serve with resolve and a deep sense of duty. He was in the submarine service on USS The Entemedor. He was also in the military police where he had the honor of being at the bottom of the airsteps for President Eisenhower. He later dedicated 28 years of his working life to General Motors.
Away from work, Dean found enjoyment in the simple, lasting pleasures of time well spent. He loved golf and was a member of Riverside Golf Course. He also enjoyed playing cards—pastimes that brought people together and reflected his appreciation for good company and familiar traditions. His real love was cars, cars and more cars! He was very proud of his ‘46 Ford Coupe that won awards in car shows.
Dean is survived by his wife, Bets Cooper; his daughter, Cathy Beloat; his sons, Jeff Cooper and Gary Cooper (Jana); his stepdaughters, Mimi Denney (Chad) and Jenny Hamelmann (Michael); and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grand children, 5 generations of life. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Cindy Cherry and Rhonda Wogerman; and by his parents, Charles H. Cooper and June T. Cooper.
A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held at Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services, 740 East 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240, on November 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Military service will begin at 2:00 pm with the reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th Street, Ste 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278, or online at https://www.cancer.org/.
