Dean Baker Cooper

Dean Baker Cooper, age 90, of Wellsville, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, due to causes incident to age. He was born on October 1, 1935, in Wellsville, Utah, to Marvin R. and Delone Baker Cooper.

Dean grew up on his family's farm in Wellsville, where his daily chores included milking cows and farming. He graduated from South Cache High School in 1953. Four years later, in 1958, he married his sweetheart, A. Marlene Jessop, in the Salt Lake Temple, a union sealed for time and all eternity. They established a home in Wellsville and raised their 10 children–nine girls and one boy. Last August, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

After 32 years in Thiokol’s transportation department, Dean wasn’t quite ready to slow down. Following his retirement, he spent several more years working alongside his son-in-law at an auto mechanic shop. After he retired, he also made going to the temple weekly a top priority and continued doing so until he physically could no longer get around.

Known for his strong work ethic, steady character, and deep devotion to family, Dean spent much of his life working side by side with his wife, children, and father. In later years, the family’s teamwork continued as his son-in-law and grandsons played an important role during harvest and hay-hauling season.

He proudly served in the Army Reserve and devoted his life to serving others through his many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dean and Marlene served a mission together and later completed two service missions alongside their granddaughter. His faith was an anchor throughout his life, and he led by quiet example, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. With a powerful testimony, Dean often spoke of the Holy Ghost’s presence in his life, recounting how it guided his decisions and, once, when he was just a young boy, had preserved his life.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; nine daughters, Rose Marie Swensen (Grant), Karen Nicholes (Bart), Ruth Lindsay (Tim), Susan Bright (DelMar), Tamera Kendrick (Scott), LaRayne Vicars (Mike), Geraldine Sharples (Steve), Janet Hall (Dan), and Amy Leavitt (Wade); and son, Joseph Cooper (Kayla). He also leaves behind 41 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, who were a source of immense joy and pride for him. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Thelma Beaves (Wayne), and two brothers, Fred Cooper (Barbara) and Gary Cooper (Julie).

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Delone Cooper, brother-in-law Wayne Beaves, son-in-law Steve Sharples, and four grandchildren.

Dean will be remembered for his faith, humility, and devotion to his family. His life was one of quiet service, love, and integrity—a legacy that will continue to bless generations to come.

A viewing will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at White Pine Funeral Home, 753 S 100 E, Logan, Utah. Dean's funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wellsville LDS Chapel, 49 West 200 South, Wellsville, Utah with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The interment will be at the Wellsville City Cemetery.

Funeral Services can be viewed live via ZOOM by clicking this link: Zoom Broadcast