Randall Fredrick Cooper

Randall Fredrick “Coop” Cooper, born September 1, 1948, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, while on a camping trip with his lifelong best friend and his beloved dog, Daisy, who also passed away. He was the son of Pauline (Stevens) Cooper and Charles Francis Cooper.

A lifelong resident of Waverly, Indiana, Randy proudly lived on the same road where he was raised as a child. Having spent his entire life in the small town he loved, he knew nearly everyone in the community and carried a deep appreciation for its people and history. Because of his friendly nature, storytelling, and familiar presence around town, he was fondly known by many as “The Mayor of Waverly.”

Randy proudly served in the United States Navy and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. His service to his country was something he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.

Randy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Debbie Cooper; his brother, Steven H. Cooper; and his close friend, Rex Russell.

Randy and Debbie were married on February 22, 1973, and together they built a beautiful life and home in Waverly. Like every marriage, theirs came with challenges, but their love and commitment always held them together. Their marriage was one of devotion, perseverance, laughter, and deep family bonds.

Together they raised their son, Randall “Little Coop” Cooper, who was truly the light of their lives. Some of the fondest memories shared between Big Coop and Little Coop were their fishing trips to Lake Monroe nearly every weekend while Little Coop was growing up, often accompanied by Big Coop’s lifelong best friend, Steve Stoughton.

Coop was a man of many talents and a wonderful provider for his family. He enjoyed trains, camping, fishing, and building projects of all kinds. With his own hands, he expanded the family home, built storage buildings, and most recently completed a screened-in porch his beloved wife had long dreamed of enjoying.

Randy also took great pride in preserving the history of Waverly. Many of the photographs of the little town that hang in the old bank building at Waverly Park were generously donated by him, reflecting both his love for the community and his desire to keep its memories alive for future generations.

Above all else, Randy will be remembered for his kindness, his craftsmanship, his devotion to his family, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into the heart of Waverly and the many lives he touched there.

Survivors include his son, Randall Cooper and wife Amy; grandson, Conner Cooper; sister, Sharon Brown; niece, Holly (Dennis) Miller; nephew, Larry Austin; his close friends Steve Stoughton and Dave Workman; his close “Rockin Reelers” friends; and the wonderful neighbors he considered family.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville. Funeral services with Military Honors will begin at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Glenda Survance officiating. Randy will be laid to rest next to his wife, Debbie, in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.