On Monday, March 6, 2023, Brian Keith Cooper, 43, loving soldier to many, passed away. He was born in Parkersburg on March 18, 1979. Brian enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1997 and served active duty during Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom until he was honorably discharged January 2004. An avid culinary professional, Brian graduated valedictorian from the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute December 2000. Brian navigated life with a sense of purpose and an overwhelming caring concern for others.
Brian had a love of the outdoors and playing cornhole and treasured his time with his kids making memories camping, fishing, hiking and traveling. Brian was the life of the party and his smile lit up the room. He never knew a stranger. Brian was an advocate for supporting soldiers and their families who were suffering from PTSD, as Brian knew the struggle, too.
Brian was best known for his quick-witted humor, fierce determination and generous spirit. He is survived by his wife, Laura Cooper, and their children, Mackenzie Cooper and Chase Cooper; his parents, Michael and Regina Cooper; his brother, Gregory Cooper (Virginie); and twin sister, Michelle Hopkins (Jim). Michelle was older by three minutes. He is also survived by his Aunt Cynthia Cooper; nephews, Logan Cooper, Carson Hopkins and Baley Hopkins; niece, Sabine Cooper; and many family members and extended family of personal friends.
Brian was preceded in death by grandparents, Harry and Eva Cooper and Russell and Juanita Spencer.
Visitation will be held at McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Morgantown, from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 10. Visitation will continue at McCulla Funeral Home, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, March 11, with full military honors conferred by WVANG Military Honors, Camp Dawson and the Westover VFW #9916. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave. Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD please encourage them to get help. Veterans Crisis Hotline number is 988 then press 1.
