Donald 'Gene' Cooper

55 year old, Donald ‘Gene’ Cooper, of Mt. Ayr, passed away on October 20, 2025, at home with his family around him.

On May 20, 1970, Gene was born to Donald Sr. and Mary (Dill) Miller, in Valparaiso, Indiana. Gene married the love of his life, Heather Brunton, on April 27, 2002, in Mt. Ayr. He spent his life doing what he loved most: turning wrenches and building fast motors. Gene enjoyed fishing, hunting, throwing darts, and target shooting with his friends and family.

Gene is survived by his wife: Heather, children: Ashly (David) Cain, Michelle (Larry) Collard, Donald ‘CJ’ Cooper Jr., Jacob (Promise) Cooper, grandchildren: Bently, Layla, Isabelle, stepfather: Charlie Miller, siblings: Mary (Bucky) Lane, Dawn (Pat) Steinke, and Chuck Miller, and his beloved rottweiler: Nala.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, grandson: Keegan Collard, brother: Mike Webber, and his precious princess: Baylor.

Per Gene’s wishes cremation will take place.

A Celebration of Life for Gene will be from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Rensselaer American Legion Post 29, 1565 N. McKinley Ave, Rensselaer, Indiana.