John Wesley Cooper "Wes" was born on September 2, 1938, in Magnolia Springs, Texas, to the late Kirby and Lola Bell Southwell-Cooper. He was immersed in the Christian community at an early age at Spring Hill Baptist Church. As an adult, he continued his Christian journey in Beaumont, Texas, at Scott Olive M.B.C. He served as a deacon and member for 53 years.

John was blessed with a large and loving family. On November 26, 1960, John married his best friend, Ruby (which was a spectacular decision), and from this union God gave them four sons. John helped raise his sons with discipline, patience, and humility. He would always say to his children "Be humble." He taught his children the word of God by reading the Bible to them and teaching them to pray. John was a hard-working man. He retired in 2001 from North Star Steel after 24 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and attending sporting events that his children and grandchildren participated in. He also loved his Dallas Cowboys. John was a loving and loyal man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones.

John was preceded by his parents, and his siblings, Marie Boatner, Jerry Cooper, Emma Bluitt, Henry Cooper, Corine Cooper, Kirby Cooper, Jr., Allene Knox, Mary Jenkins, Charlene Morris, and Lola Bell Johnson.

Left to remember the good times: his wife, Ruby; sons, John, Anthony, Reginald, and Bryan; seven grandchildren, Kevin, Cayla Morris (Rayburn), Kyra, Jeremy, Meagan, Bryce, and Braylon; and five great-grandchildren, Aniyah, Payton, Chandler, Rayburn Morris, III and Rayla Morris.