Mark T. Cooper's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Mark T. Cooper, age 58 of Charleston passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 in Auburn, Indiana. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at the funeral chapel with Reverend Walter Carlson officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Baseball Association. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Mark was born on December 16, 1955 in Charleston to Max and Mary (Drake) Cooper. He married Brenda McKinney on October 11, 1986 and they have shared the past 27 years of friendship and marriage. In addition to his wife Brenda, he is survived by three children, Andrew Cooper of Charleston, Kimberly Cooper of Carbondale, Illinois and Clayton Cooper of Charleston; his parents, Max and Mary Cooper of Charleston; a sister, Marcie Smith and husband Bart of San Antonio, Texas; four nieces, Amanda Durbin, Tara Misner, Megan Martin, Amanda McKinney; a nephew, Adam McKinney; his mother-in-law, Sue McKinney; a sister-in-law, Shari McKinney; and a brother-in-law, Mike McKinney and wife Amy. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Duane McKinney. Mark was a 1974 graduate of Charleston High School. He was presently employed as a Quality Supply Auditor at Agri-Fab in Sullivan, Illinois. He was formerly employed at Ampad in Mattoon for 37 years. Mark was an individual who was community oriented and committed to making a difference. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston with his family, was a past member and Senator of the Jaycees, a former member of the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623 and a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388. Perhaps the biggest difference Mark made was through his membership, participation and commitment to the Charleston Baseball Association - serving on its Board as some would say "forever" . During the summer months baseball was his life! Mark's ability to relate to area youth as a coach and umpire created a good role model who instilled in them a love for the game of baseball while exhibiting true sportsmanship. Mark's involvement and giving didn't stop there - he would do whatever needed done. He was a hard worker both on and off the field and has been a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of Charleston's youth. Mark enjoyed yardwork and landscaping projects along with modern technology and computers. He was certain that no other major league team outside of his beloved St. Louis Cardinals was worth cheering for and he especially enjoyed teasing his Chicago Cub fan friends. Mark was never one to complain and his light-hearted sense of humor was always accompanied by a smile - it was fun to be in his company. His love for his family was paramount in all that he did. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who enjoyed time spent with his family. When his parents could no longer live alone - there was no hesitation when Mark invited them to share their home. Mark endeared himself to everyone through his loving and caring attitude and his selfless generosity. Mark was just "a great guy" and to say that he will be missed is an understatement.
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