Douglas Lee Cooper September 30, 1938 – November 9, 2025

Douglas Lee Cooper, 88, of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2025, surrounded by family and his beloved granddog, Auggy.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 30, 1938, Doug grew up in Pennsville and graduated from Pennsville Memorial High School, where he was voted "Tony Curtis Look-Alike." After high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Guam until returning home to marry Donna.

As a child, Doug was raised by his loving mother, Evelyn Lyons, along with his grandparents, Lee Mack and Anna Mary Williams, who shared their love of animals and the outdoors with him. He fondly remembered riding horses with them along Hook Road and Churchlanding Road to the river, where they would ride along the beach—a glimpse into the Pennsville of his youth. He also had two donkeys as a boy, both named Joe Boy, who were part of those carefree days.

Doug was the son of Evelyn Lyons and the stepson of Douglas Lyons. He is survived by his son, Dirk L. Cooper (Trisha), and daughter, Dawn L. McLaughlin; his grandchildren, Evin Cooper, Flynn Cooper, Camille P. McLaughlin, Greta L. McLaughlin (Eric Drummond), and Adeline M. Kite (Lee Kite); and great-grandchildren Brody Drummond, Brayden Drummond, Rylee Drummond, and Kennedi Kite. He is also survived by his half-brother Walter Cooper (Joanne), and stepbrothers Chip Lyons and Gene Lyons. He was predeceased by his wife, Donna Estlow Cooper; his mother, Evelyn Lyons; his grandparents Lee Mack and Anna Mary Williams; his uncle Bill Williams; and his stepbrother Rod Drake.

Doug was a man of many talents—there was truly little he couldn't do. A master woodworker, he built beautiful and intricate pieces for his home and family, including a handcrafted fly-tying box complete with a magnifying glass, lighting, and compartments for every tool and material; artist boxes for his wife and daughter; and custom cabinetry, TV stands, desks, and decorative wood-burned pieces. Every detail of his home reflected his creativity and craftsmanship, from the molding to the holiday decorations.

Among his most remarkable creations was a handmade slat canoe featuring an outrigger and sail, which he and his wife used while vacationing in the Everglades. He also designed and painted a one-of-a-kind wooden slat lamp, adorned with his own fishing scene artwork. He even crafted unique jewelry pieces for his wife and daughter, including bracelets made from old watch heads and whimsical necklaces that featured tiny, polyurethane-preserved bugs mounted on rocks. When his daughter described an artistic ring she liked, Doug recreated it with his own clever twist—adding a small chain and "BB ball" to make her laugh and cherish it even more.

An avid outdoorsman and passionate fly fisherman, Doug found peace and joy on the water. He fished across the country—from Maine, where he climbed both Mount Katahdin and Double Top Mountain in Baxter State Park, to Alaska, where he and Donna traveled twice with friends to fish the famous rivers. The family spent summers at their permanent campsite along the Little Juniata River near State College, Pennsylvania, where countless memories were made.

Doug loved adventure and the outdoors—he enjoyed skiing in the Poconos and at Killington, whitewater rafting, and spending time with friends. He worked for many years at DuPont Chambers Works as a skilled pipefitter.

He was also a man who loved life's simple pleasures. Doug enjoyed reading mystery and true crime novels, and he had a lifelong love of music—especially Neil Diamond, Neil Young, and Stevie Nicks. He was known to "dance it on out" whenever a good song came on. He spent many enjoyable Wednesday nights at the VFW with his buddies, meeting for drinks, dinner, and laughter—and was thrilled to have won the $1,000 drawing there just last year.

In his later years, Doug treasured evenings spent watching movies and television series with his daughter. He never missed his three meals a day and always made time for an evening snack. His beloved granddog Auggy was his constant companion—greeting him each morning with excited kisses, sharing meals by his side, and resting his head on Doug's favorite flannel pillowcase. When Doug passed away on Sunday evening, his granddaughter and Auggy were right beside him, a reflection of the love and loyalty that surrounded him throughout his life.

Doug will be remembered for his creativity, craftsmanship, humor, love of nature, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the countless things he built, the memories he made, and the love he shared.

Funeral services will be held 12:30 PM on Wednesday November 19th at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville, NJ where friends may call from 11:00 to 12:30. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at the Finns Point National Cemetery, Pennsville, NJ/