Carl Harold Cooper

Carl Harold Cooper was born on November 14, 1938, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Carl and Norma Jean (Johnson) Cooper. He passed away on November 5, 2023, with his children by his side, just shy of his 85th birthday.   

After graduating from Lawton High School in 1956, Carl attended the University of Oklahoma (Go Sooners!) where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and received degrees in Engineering and Nuclear Physics. He also met Joyce Page while at the University of Oklahoma, and on April 1, 1961, they were married. After college in 1963, Carl and Joyce moved to Idaho Falls and he started his long career at the Idaho National Laboratory where he formed many life-long friendships. While working, he also received an MBA from the University of Idaho. Carl only intended on staying in Idaho a short time, but quickly fell in love with her beauty and the plethora of outdoor opportunities and of those, fishing was his passion. Ultimately, he became an avid and accomplished fly fisherman and fished many of the famous and historic rivers and streams of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Over the years, he also refined his skills at tying flies and was an active member of Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishing Federation.  

After retiring from the Idaho National Lab in early 1995, Carl and Joyce embarked on a phase of motorhome adventure and travel, including trips to Baja Mexico among other destinations and spending many winters in Yuma, Arizona. While not in their motorhome, they spent time with friends and family, especially their beloved grandchildren. Carl was an active member of his church community, and most recently was a long-time parishioner of St Paul’s Methodist Church where he enjoyed the fellowship and support, particularly during the time he tirelessly took care of Joyce as she fought her battle with Alzheimer’s. He was grateful to those that helped him, cared for him, and loved him.

Carl was known for his unique sense of humor and ended every conversation or interaction with a joke. His most recent favorite was: “How do angels greet each other in heaven?” “Halo.” Now he’s making friends, telling jokes, and saying “halo” to the other angels in heaven.  

Carl is survived by his two children, Kelly Cooper-Slayton (Todd Slayton) and Brently Cooper (Marybeth); four grandchildren, Marshelle (Trevor Bouten), Sara, Jessica, and Jake; two great grandchildren, Vivian and Piper; his brother, Gary Cooper (Debra); and his half-sister, Leonda Lennon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Page) Cooper.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1730 St. Clair Rd, Idaho Falls, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.