Norman L. Cooper

11/12/1937 - 12/18/2025

Norman L. Cooper, aged 88, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, and formerly of Fife Lake, Michigan, gained his eternal rest on December 8, 2025, at the home of his stepdaughter while under Hospice care. Born to the late Everett Jack Cooper and Wilma Jean (Moe) Cooper on November 12, 1937, Norman lived his formative years in Northville, Michigan.

In addition to his parents, Norman was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Kathy (Kay) Cooper, in 2013; his step-great-grandson, Sergeant Zachery D. Smith; and a stepdaughter. He is survived by his children, Mark (Janie) Cooper, Michelle (Patrick) Lungaro, and Matthew Cooper; his three grandchildren, Jenna, William, and Emily; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Cooper, and his life-long partner, Bill Cottrell; his sister, Susie (Jay) Jacobs; his nephew, Dennis; and his niece, Lindsay. Norman also had an extensive extended family consisting of his stepdaughter, Lorie (Steven) Rusch; his step-sons, David (Sue) Bucholtz and Kevin Bucholtz; seven step-grandchildren, twelve step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild, Sadie.

Norm’s dream was to become a professional football player, which never came to fruition. As a teenager, Norm did farm work and animal husbandry. He then had his own business laying and refinishing hardwood floors. If you happen to visit any of the older churches in the Detroit Metro area, you will observe his work. His nighttime job was working security in tandem with various Metro Police Departments in the Wayne County, Michigan, area. One of his greatest moments was working with the U.S. Secret Service to protect then-President Gerald R. Ford when he visited the Detroit area in the mid-1970s. Deciding to switch careers, he then spent over 20 years driving truck for Kroger, as a truck driver for the U.S. Postal Service, and finally as a truck driver for Grand Traverse Trucking.

Norman loved spending time “up north” and moved to Fife Lake, Michigan, permanently in the late 1990s. At one time, he was an avid hunter and a member of “Big Tom Lodge” in Boon, Michigan. He and his wife enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing and served as a past President of his local Gold Wing Association Chapter. They made many excursions throughout the United States and particularly loved riding through the mountains of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In his later years, Norm took up woodworking and turned out some beautiful wood creations.

As per his wishes, Norm has been cremated and will be buried in the spring next to his beloved wife, Kay, and his basset hound, Jiggers.

The family wishes to personally thank his many doctors and nurses, his Hospice care team, and his many devoted caregivers who listened to his many stories and made his life peaceful and memorable.