On Wednesday October 21, 2026 in peace and surrounded by his loving family, the Lord called Nelson C. Cooper home at the age of 85.

Nelson was born February 26, 1941 to the parents of Curtis and Mable Cooper in Ravenna, Oh and was the oldest brother of 11 siblings. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1960. Together, they built a life, a family, a farm and trucking company that he was able to enjoy throughout his years.

Before the sun came up, Nelson would already be at work. He began the day with God’s word, milked cows beside his sons, worked the land until dark, and came home to the woman he loved. His generous heart made him quick to help a neighbor and open his home to anyone that needed a loving place to stay. If he was not cultivating the land, you could find him in the shop tinkering, building things or making plans for his next project.

Nelson loved the color green, the green of the Oliver tractors he collected and the green God uses to paint the great outdoors. Whether it was in the hills of West Virginia, the mountains of Colorado or in his own woodlands, Nelson was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He shared this love with generations.

Nelson made many acquaintances through years of farming and trucking, friends that became like family. They would drop in just to chat and hear his stories. With his quick witt and sense of humor, he will leave behind tales for years to come.

Above all, he loved his family. Nelson was loving husband, brother, proud father and grandfather. He was loved deeply in return. Nelson will always be his daughter’s hero. His two sons will forever miss their father, turned business partner and life long friend. Nothing lifted his spirits more than his grandchildren visiting or watching his great-grandchildren laugh and play.

Nelson’s memory will live on through his wife of 66 years Nancy (Gould) Cooper, his oldest son Mark (Alice) Cooper; daughter Pam (Tony) Gabrovsek; youngest son Michael (Lisa) Cooper; grandchildren, Chad (Angela) Sylvester, Steve (Mackenzie) Sylvester, Mark (Candice) Cooper Jr., Matthew (Shannon) Cooper, Elizabeth (Zack) Sutliff, Samantha (Timothy) Novicky, Taylor (Bill) Romigh, Mackenzie Dezelan, Allie Dezelan, Luke Gabrovsek and 17 great-grandchildren.

Nelson may have closed his eyes for the final time here on earth but he has opened them again in glory in the presence of his Savior. May you rest forever in green meadows and beside peaceful streams, well done good and faithful farmer.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Following the calling hours there will be a procession to Graham Cemetery in Southington, where he will be laid to rest and a committal service will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home 8 East Broad Street Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330) 872-5440.