Paul Hayden Cooper

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Paul Hayden Cooper, son of the late Marvin "Skeet" Cooper and Josie Lawrence Cooper, was born May 11, 1947 in Batesville, Arkansas. He departed this life September 10, 2020 at his home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 73 years, 3 months and 30 days. He was united in marriage to Melissa Johnston March 25, 1978 in Banner, Arkansas and together they raised two sons. After graduation from college with a degree in Special Education, Paul began his teaching career. For 38 years he taught at Forrest City, Violet Hill and Mount Pleasant. Paul was also a farmer. He loved raising cattle and growing hay. He served on the Board of Izard County Farm Bureau and was active in the Arkansas Cattleman's Association. In 2002 Paul and his family were chosen as Izard County Farm Family of the Year. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Melissa Cooper of the home; two sons and two daughters-in-law: Dusty and Lindsey Cooper and Tyler and Whitney Cooper all of Melbourne; three brothers: Gayle Cooper (Carol), David Cooper (Becky) and Gerald Cooper (Linda) all of Melbourne; five grandchildren: Gus Cooper, Cash Cooper, Addie Cooper, Heidi Cooper and Cam Cooper; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Imogene Watters; two brothers: James Cooper, Owen "Bud" Cooper.

Visitation will be Monday, September 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Funeral service will be Tuesday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Belview Baptist Church with Raymon Carneal officiating. Burial will be at Melbourne Cemetery.

Pallbearers: J. D. Stapleton, Jose Callejas, Patrick Winkle, David Graham, Justin McCarson, Dusty Carr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Franklin "Fuzzy" Rush, Josh Cooper, Chad Harmon,

William "Bud" Cooper, Roger Tate, Mike Myers.

Memorials may be made to: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave, 5 ^th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.