William J Cooper

A native of Columbus, Ohio, his career was spent serving others as a first responder. He joined the Columbus Division of Fire in August of 1968 where he served as a firefighter until April 1971. In May of 1971, he joined the Columbus Division of Police where he worked in many capacities including Patrol, Vice, Detective, Motorcycle Squad, Mounted Horse Unit, Marine Park Unit, and the Freeway Unit. He retired from his law enforcement career after 30+ years of service in January of 2002.

Bill had a passion for cars, owning a total of 39 vehicles in his lifetime. It was never surprising to see him arrive in a car that he did not have the week before and they were always clean as a whistle. He loved boats, the beach, spending the day fishing, playing poker with his buddies, and puttering in his garage. He was immensely proud of his Irish heritage, loved music and sang in perfect pitch and timing but only around close family. He was, without a doubt, a kid at heart. He loved laughing and was a master at making a serious moment humorous with a one-liner.

However, absolutely nothing came before his family and his faith. He was also a devoted friend to many and an all-around Mr. Fix-It to anyone in need.

In recent years, he reunited with a long-lost love, and they remained devoted to each other through thick and thin until his passing.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Kenneth and Ann (Brady) Cooper, brother Jim Cooper, sister Marilyn (Francis) Sutfin, brother Bob (Norma) Cooper, sister Alice (Pete) Keseg and brother John Cooper.

He is survived by his daughter Stephanie (Darren) Heiner, son Jesse Cooper, daughter Anna (Andre) Mercier, son Casey Cooper; grandchildren, Brady (Ashley) Heiner, Noah Heiner, Megan Crouch, Mary Crouch, Cooper Crouch; sister Katie Eberle-Smith, sister-in-law Vicki Cooper, numerous nieces and nephews, a very special friend Chris “Cookie Lady” Johnson and his devoted partner, Lynn (Nord) Woodard.

His family would like to thank the staff at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, along with his many doctors, nurses and caregivers for their compassion and assistance over the last several years.

In lieu of flowers, a Tribute Gift may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio at www.hospiceofcentralohio.org.

Funeral service can be viewed via Live Stream at http://stpacc.org/livestream

Ar dheis De’ go raibh a anam dilis...May he rest at God’s right hand.