Franklin "Cotton" Cooper was born on June 2, 1942, to Guy Trimble Cooper and Francis Pauline (Boomer) Cooper, in Wagoner, Oklahoma.  Cotton was a Wagoner High School graduate.  He met the love of his life, Patty Turnham, and married her on February 24, 1962, they were blessed with 62 years together until her passing on April 23, 2024.

Cotton was an avid outdoorsman who embraced a variety of hobbies. He drew comfort from fishing, excitement from hunting, and enjoyed the challenges of golfing. Each of these activities allowed him to connect with nature and relax, showcasing his enthusiasm for the great outdoors. In addition to his love for outdoor activities, Cotton was a devoted football fan, particularly for the Kansas City Chiefs.   Next to being on the tractor, one of his all-time favorite activities was sitting on the back porch watching the deer, turkey, and birds. Above all, he loved his family immensely.

Cotton departed this life on Monday, December 9, 2024, at his home in Wagoner, Oklahoma, at the age of 82 years.  Preceding him in death are his parents, Guy and Pauline Cooper; beloved wife, Patty Cooper; siblings, Gary Cooper, Nadia Connor, Bob Cooper, Judge Cooper, and Sue Holmes.

Surviving Cotton and cherishing the many memories of his life include his children, Sherrie Brown of Muskogee, OK, Frank " Butch" Cooper, and wife Tonya of Wagoner, OK; grandchildren, Sara Hefner, and husband Zack of Wagoner, OK, Wesley Brown of Fort Smith AR, Jiggs Wilbanks, and Kyndal Whitecotton of Wagoner, OK; great-grandchildren, Elise Brown, Benjamin Hefner, and Samuel Hefner of Wagoner, OK; sisters, Phyllis Redfern of Broken Arrow, OK, and Martie Eubanks-Drake of Broken Arrow, OK, many friends and other relatives, all who will miss him dearly.

Cotton Cooper's passing is deeply felt by those who knew him, though many find comfort in knowing that he has reunited with his beloved Patty.

Viewing will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10 am - 4:00 pm, in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends at a Visitation on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5-7 pm in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life, honoring the life of Cotton Cooper will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church, in Wagoner, OK.  Jeremy Holmes will officiate.

Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, in Wagoner, OK.  Those serving as pallbearers are Don Jones, Darrell Morgan, Gene Myers, and James McMahan.  Serving as honorary pallbearer is Jiggs Wilbanks.