Donald “Don” Lee Cooper, 73, of Cabool MO, passed away at home on May 4, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1952, to Trafford Cooper and Wanda Emery. Don and Kathleen “Kathi” Porter, of Long Beach, CA, were united in marriage on November 20, 1973. Three daughters were born to this union: Shiloh Cooper (Chris Nelson) of Joplin, MO; Shasta McClenahan (Justin), of Silver Spring, MD; and Sarah Honeycutt (Drew), of Cabool, MO. Don was also blessed with four grandchildren: Peyton, Griffin, Owen, and Cooper.

Don grew up in Cabool and graduated from Cabool High School in 1970, where he was a proud member of the 1968 State Champion football team. Soon after graduation he volunteered for the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War. Don was a Boiler Technician on the USS Point Defiance dock landing ship and the USS Everett F. Larson destroyer, where he was responsible for operating and maintaining shipboard steam boilers, propulsion systems, and auxiliary machinery. He traveled the world during his Navy career including Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Vietnam. During his six years of military service Don was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Don was honorably discharged in 1976 and returned to Cabool, where he and Kathi raised their three daughters, who were without question his greatest accomplishment and the source of his deepest pride.

Don was a true hardworking blue-collar man, respected for his skill as a mechanic, welder, truck driver, and all-around problem solver. There wasn’t a car, truck, or piece of machinery that he could not fix, though some colorful language may have been heard by those nearby and a few tools may have occasionally been launched in frustration during repairs. Outside of work, Don loved farm life and spent many years raising and showing Missouri Fox Trotters, something he and Kathi shared together. He also enjoyed NASCAR, Sunday drives, and spending time outdoors. Don especially valued the companionship of Zack Shell, whose help around the farm meant a great deal to him.

Following retirement, Don enjoyed a quieter life with Kathi and their pets in Ozark, MO, though “quiet” was always relative with him around. Hardworking, opinionated, and fiercely devoted to his family, he was rarely known to do anything halfway. Knowing Don meant having someone you could count on at any time. He lived life on his own terms and carried a firm, unwavering personality that will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1530 Wilson Blvd, Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22209 or at the link below.