Garrett Nelson Cooper was born to parents Joe and Zora Cooper on March 23, 1939. He attended Jane Addams Elementary and Junior High School. He graduated from Fresno High School class of 1957 where he met many of his lifelong friends playing basketball, baseball and football.
In 1960 his eldest son Joseph Donald was born and in 1961 he welcomed his one one and only daughter Kimberly Erin. A few years later while dragging the main with some friends downtown on Fulton, Gary met Lorna Newson. On July 17, 1965 Gary and Lorna Married in a small chapel in Las Vegas. In March 1966 their son and Gary's name sake, Garrett Dean was born and a few years later in 1969 their youngest son, Bryan Blaine.
Gary worked hard to provide for this wife and children, inheriting the family farm from his father. Together with his family, Gary farmed over 600 acres of cotton, barley and alfalfa in Burrell, California. Gary took pride in this work and it was so much a part of his identity. Even into his later years Gary would rise before the sun, he always said he was on "Farmer Time". Gary also had a love of classic cars and hot rods. He was a proud member of the Fresno Pan Draggers since high school. Gary loved drag races and swap meets and working on old cars with his friends.
Gary was all the things that it seems so hard to find in a person these days, kind, respectful, hard working, reliable and trustworthy. He was a true friend and his word meant something. If he said he would be somewhere you could count on him being there an hour early. He never complained and he maintained his humor and wit right up to the end.
He was a faithful and devoted husband of 57 years to his wife Lorna, a great dad and even better grandfather and great grandfather. We are so blessed to have been loved by Gary. We will carry him in our hearts. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Zora, his only sibling JoAnn and his son Garrett Dean. He is survived by his wife Lorna, his children, Joseph, Kimberly and Bryan, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A Graveside service for Gary will be held Monday, February 13, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Cooper family.
