Burdette "Butch" L. Cooper

Burdette Lee "Butch" Cooper, age 83 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday at sunrise. 

He was at home in his sunroom where he could watch the birds, squirrels, bunnies and an occasional stray cat. He could also keep an eye on his spring blooms, hummingbirds, and monarch butterflies. He also enjoyed his sunroom to watch his Cleveland Indians and most importantly his beloved Buckeyes! O-H-I-O! Thank you to the team for winning the National Championship game this year!

On Good Friday, Butch's daughters joined him and Linda for their weekly pizza dinner. While his family ordered out Butch preferred his usual frozen "Red Baron" pizza. 

Butch was a very proud Marine Corps Veteran and continued to serve long after through his involvement and leadership in the Vietnam Vets, Marine Corps League, VFW and DAV organizations. He was extremely proud of raising money to support a therapy dog for Holy Cross Catholic School. In June of 2023 Butch went on an Honor Flight to Washington DC with fellow veterans.

Butch spent 37 years as a millwright at General Motors until his retirement. He loved his job and the many people he got to know. 

Butch is survived by his beautiful wife Linda. They enjoyed 36 years together and traveled all over the world. He also leaves behind his three daughters "The Cooper Girls", Tara (Ed) Shirley, Dawn (Don) Rohn, Paula (Gary) Miller, Kim Bercaw and Lisa Campbell, 13 grandchildren; Caitlin, Danielle, Andrew, Kayla, Arica, Lauren, Sean, Brenna, Dane, Collin, Jakob, Catherine and Clayton, 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and his twin sister Sally Sloan. 

Butch never met a stranger. "Act like you've been there before", a favorite saying of his. We know he was welcomed and greeted by so many friends and loved ones. Until we meet again, We love you.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial service will follow at 12:30 at the funeral home with Military honors conducted by VFW #3360. Sean Miller and Rick Booher will officiate, and the family requests that you wear Ohio State attire. A private burial will be held at a later date.  

The family requests no flowers or gifts. Donations can be given to any Veteran Organization in Butch's memory, or to CHP Defiance Home Hospice.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks for the care and compassion to all who cared for Butch at Mercy Health Oncology and Infusion Center.

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