John P. Cooper, 80, of Newark, passed on surrounded by family and friends after a prolonged illness, on July 28, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital. He was born January 15, 1945, in Coshocton, OH to the late John Junior and Dulcie Faye (Corum) Cooper.

John graduated from Newark High School in 1963. He attended Ohio University, earned a BA from The Ohio State University, and an MA from Western Michigan University, both degrees in music education.

John had an eclectic career starting with being an award-winning newspaper carrier. He was a janitor for a few local businesses, a golf caddy, and a draftsman for Western Electric. John spent many years as a junior high and high school band director. He did product testing at Owens Corning and retired as a licensed optician.

John had a lifelong passion for music. As a teenager, he was the founding member of a local pop band called The Krawens, which performed all around central Ohio for several years. Throughout his lifetime he continued to expand his musical skills by teaching himself to play a diverse array of instruments, including the bagpipes. John was a longstanding member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He directed and sang tenor in several choruses and quartets over the years. He was active in the music ministry at Second Presbyterian Church where he was a 50-year member.

John's interests were varied, including model railroading, traveling, home brewing, reading, grocery shopping, and cooking and eating (especially cookies).

Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, D. Ruth Cooper; children, C. Scott (Michael) Cooper, Meg Debrock, Matt (Melissa) Hampshire; grandchildren Tegan, Luc, Remi, and Zed Debrock, Lucas and Hannah Hampshire; a sister, M. Ellen (Paul) Gordley; sister-in-law, Kathy (Dennis) McCarthy; parents-in-law, Jim and Gloria Gibboney; and several nieces and nephews.

John's Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Second Presbyterian Church, 42 E. Church St., Newark, OH, 43055, with the Rev. Todd Tracy officiating. There will be time to greet John's family and share stories following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church Music Ministry or to the charity of your choice.

Vensil & Chute | Newark has been entrusted with the arrangements.