Denver Emmett Cooper Jr.

Denver Emmett Cooper, Jr., 77, of Moundsville, WV, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Specialty Select Hospital in Weirton.

Denver was born on May 13, 1947, in East Liverpool, OH. He was one of nine children of the late Denver Cooper, Sr., and Florence Smith Cooper. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1965.

After graduation, Denver proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from April 1969 to October 1973. During the Vietnam War, Denver served as part of the 13th Interrogation-Translation Team (13ITT), where his work gathering vital intelligence contributed to operational success and the safety of his fellow Marines. During his service, he also trained and handled military working dogs, further supporting mission efforts in the field. His time in the Marine Corps left a lasting impact, and he wore the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor with pride and unwavering commitment for the rest of his life.

Following his military service, Denver built a career at Weirton Steel working in the sheet mill department for many years before later starting his own construction business with his friend Dean.

Outside of work, Denver enjoyed the simple things in life — spending time with his family, listening to music, watching ballgames, and catching up with close friends. In his younger years, Denver and his brothers shared a passion for music, forming a band they proudly called “Brother,” where they spent countless hours playing together and building memories that lasted a lifetime.

One of Denver’s closest companions in life was his beloved Boston Terrier, Flo. True to his nature, Denver personally trained Flo and the two shared a special bond built on trust, discipline, and affection. Flo was by his side through many years, a loyal and constant presence in his life.

In addition to his parents, Denver was preceded in death by his brother, Kelly Cooper, and his sister, Prisca Cooper.

Left to honor his memory are his son, Denver (Shawna) Cooper, III; daughters, Tiffany (John Michael) Anderson and Shea (Gary) Bonacci; brothers, Edward (Barbara) Cooper, Timothy Cooper, and Jesse (Phyllis) Cooper; sisters, Rebecca Messer, Martha (Louis) Rushmore, and Denise (JD) Connelly; grandchildren, Brooke (Dante) Boni, Tessa (David) Nadik, Mary Blake Ott, Seth (Brooke) Bonacci, Xaveria Schreiner, Nathan Cooper, Evan Pethtel, Aaron (Ashley) Bonacci, and Uriah Cooper; and great-grandchildren, Aubrielle, Laiken, Conor, Samuel, Jackson, Milo, Cole, and Jayce. Also surviving is the mother of his children, Ms. Paula Davis.

Entrusted with his care is Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home and Crematory. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 3rd, 10:00 AM at the American Legion in Moundsville, WV. Located at 800 1st St, Moundsville, WV. Denver’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, where he will be honored with full military honors.
Semper Fidelis.