Lee Brett Cooper

Lee Brett Cooper, age 58, passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate and loving family, on Saturday, Oct 30, 2021, at JanePhillips Hospital where he took his first breath. Lee was born on December 27, 1962 to Bennie L. and Barbara Cooper. He graduated from College High School in 1981, where he played football and was a member of the golf team. He attended Oklahoma State University, and so began his love of Cowboy sports. In 1983, his father passed away suddenly. Lee chose to return to Bartlesville to help his Mother operate the family business: Cooper-Herrington Furniture. He was the third generation to run the furniture store, that has endured for 84 years this past August. Lee and Gay L. Detter, were married in March of 1985, in Bartlesville, where they made their home. In 1987 they welcomed a daughter, Ashley to the family, and a son, Branden, in 1989. Lee was active in the Bartlesville Jaycees for many years. He served as a board member for ARC/Employability, as well as committees at First Christian Church, where he was a faithful member and loved by many. Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, and snow skiing, back in the days when his health allowed. Oklahoma State sports, good food, especially steaks, barbecue, and “Gravy over all” brought him joy. He never missed a chance to get on the dance floor and he was the life of the party! Lee accomplished much in his life without fanfare. His greatest accomplishment was being a loving husband and father. Despite his many health issues, Lee chose not to complain. During this last hospitalization, a nurse stated that he had a rough go at it and Lee’s response was “Sometimes things are hard, we have to know that God is good and that he knows what he is doing.” He will be remembered for his kind and happy spirit, and warm hugs. In spite of a weakened body, he remained strong in spirit. Though his mobility and agility waned, his positive attitude prevailed. Evan as many conditions declared war on his body, he never surrendered to despair. He was strong in character and gentle in spirit. He was a peacemaker and thus called a son of God. He fought the good fight. He finished his race. He kept the faith. He was preceded in death by father Bennie L. Cooper; younger sister, Lisa J. Cooper; grandparents, Harold E. and Georgia Herrington, and Earnest “Bud” and Nora Cooper; two great nieces, Audrey Claire Leslie and Reagan Blair Detter-Lippincott. Lee will be lovingly remembered and is survived by, his mother Barbara Cooper Lane; wife of 36 years Gay Cooper; children, Ashley and husband Michael Massara, and Branden Cooper; two grandsons Kelton Andrew Massara and Hudson Lee Massara, all of Bartlesville. Sister, Reneé and husband Mark Ebert of Stillwater; also five nieces, two nephews; and many great nieces and great nephews. A viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Monday, November 8th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Stumpff Funeral Home, 1600 SE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville. A Celebration of Life service for Lee will be on Tuesday, November 9th 2:00 pm, at First Christian Church, 520 S Osage Ave., Bartlesville. Kindly consider joining the family in celebrating Lee’s love of the OSU Cowboys by wearing America’s brightest Orange. Face masks are required at this service per the church policy, thank you for your understanding. In Lee’s memory and honor, in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 663 Thirteenth Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612. (mdf.networkforgood.com) Legacy Touch: DZGATJ9J

Lee Brett Cooper

December 27, 1962 - October 30, 2021