Donald Ray Cooper

Donald Ray Cooper, known to friends and family as Donnie, passed away on June 1, 2025, in St. Amant, Louisiana. He was born on November 12, 1955, in Pasco, Washington.

Donnie was self-employed for many years in the flooring business, followed by a successful career as a millwright/planner with Turner Industries. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors; however, nothing meant more to him than the time he got to spend with his grandchildren, Lincoln, Tucker, Piper, and Lydia.

Donnie was kind in all the ways that mattered. He was genuinely nice, quietly generous, and always thinking of others. Being around him made life feel better.

Donnie is survived by his loving spouse, Wendy Cooper, of 47 years, and his two daughters, Amy Cooper Constant (Willis) and Sandy Cooper Wendt (Jesse). He is also survived by his brother Richard Cooper (Mary Ann), sister Charline "Cheenie" Templet (Terry), and sister Mary Gail Kazan, as well as brother-in-law John Ronkartz (Nancy), sister-in-law Karen Ronkartz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Cooper; brother Ronald Morgan Cooper; and brother-in-law Aykut Kazan. He also joins his mother- and father-in-law, J.W. and Effie Ronkartz, and his sister- and brother-in-law, Shelia and Ed Hughes, in eternal rest.

Visitation for Donnie will be held on June 6, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service starting at 11:30 a.m., both taking place at New River Baptist Church in St. Amant, Louisiana. The church is located at 45270 LA-429, St. Amant, LA 70774.

Donnie will be remembered for his warm spirit and the love he shared with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation (http://www.twt.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (http://www.stjude.org) in his honor.