Darrell Leslie Cooper

Darrell Leslie Cooper, 88, of Akron, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 25, 2023. He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on November 24, 1934 to the late Clayton E. and Geraldine {Pickens} Cooper.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his brother Charles E. "Chuck" Cooper.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife, Elinor; son, David (Heidi) Cooper; daughter, Rebekah (Rick) Barzal; grandchildren Jordan (Zach) Steubing, Allison Cooper, Reanne Barzal and Ricky Barzal; twin brother Donald L. (Kay) Cooper; sister-in-law Sandra Cooper; many nieces and nephews and their families.

Darrell's family moved to Akron during the rubber boom, where his father worked at Goodyear, and his mother was a registered nurse at Akron City Hospital. Darrell grew up in Firestone Park, attended Garfield High School, where he was in the band and a member of junior ROTC. He graduated from the University of Akron in 1956, with a BS in Marketing, and went into the Air Force as a commissioned officer.

Darrell was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving active duty as a First Lieutenant in Pt. Barrow, Alaska on the D.E.W. Line (Distant Early Warning Radar). He continued his service as a Reservist, until his honorable discharge as a Captain in 1971.

On October 19, 1969, he married Elinor K. Emery, and they spent 53 incredible years together. Darrell worked as a grocery store manager for Kroger for over 25 years, and was a member of the pioneering superstore concept, which he helped to design. He finished his career after 42 years in the industry.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Fairlawn, where he enjoyed serving the Lord and the fellowship with his church community. Darrell loved cooking, gardening, camping, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a terrific sense of humor, a ready smile, a quick wit, and was an honorary member of The Red Hat Society and the Sew & Sew's Quilting Group (where lunch was always provided!). Darrell's favorite things to do were eating, back porch sittin', and just being.

"But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak." -Isaiah 40:31

A private service with military honors will be held for his family, and his final resting place will be at Hillside Memorial Park, Akron, next to his parents.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W Market St. Fairlawn, OH 44333 on Saturday, May 13th at 2:00 p.m., with visitation an hour prior, beginning at 1:00 p.m. To leave a special message for the family online, please scroll below.