Leon Cooper, age 85 of Marshall, Arkansas died on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at his daughter’s home in Marshall, Arkansas. He was born in Bear Creek, Arkansas on September 11, 1936 to Fred Columbus Cooper and Lena Maye Wright Cooper.

He was a Korean War Veteran of the United States Navy. He was a welder by trade, but horse training was his passion.

He wrote a weekly publication in the Marshall Mountain Wave for many years called “Horsin Around”. He was an amazing author and had a way with words. He wrote a book entitled “Call Me Newt” and his works have been published in numerous publications. He was the rock of his family and his strong presence will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his children, Natasha Grinder of Marshall, Deborah Cooper of Paragould, Paula Marie Cooper of Marshall and James Riley Cooper of Marshall; grandchildren, Brooke Arkless-Myers (Rueben) of Paragould, Carly Bearden (Steven) of Paragould, Rhett Cooper of Marshall and Westan Cooper of Marshall; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Rains, Blue Crider, Madison Thompson, Gage Thompson, Brayden Thompson, Juliana Avila, Gretchen Myers and Rueben Myers; siblings, Helen Horton of Marshall, Gorman Cooper of Marshall and Norma Barger of Quitman; and many extended family and friends who will mourn his passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lena Cooper; wife, Carlene Cooper; daughter, Teresa Gail Johnson; and grandson, Nathan Leon Rains.

Graveside services for him were 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Bear Creek Cemetery in Bear Creek, Arkansas with Bro. Donnie Horton officiating. Friends and family served as pallbearers.