Merle Duane Cooper

Merle Duane Cooper was born on August 22, 1931, the second son of Arthur and Margaret Cooper. After the passing of his father when he was seven years old, Merle and his brother Warren were raised by their mother and her sister Martha in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. In school he excelled in sports; football, basketball and baseball. As a teenager he worked in the Pittsburgh Steel Mills. 

Merle was proud to do his undergraduate studies at Penn State University. During his freshman year, he was inspired by students in the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to accept life in Christ. From that time onwards, he held a steadfast commitment to following Jesus. Part way through his studies, he joined the Army and was stationed in France. Upon his return, he went on to graduate from Penn State. He continued his studies in San Francisco and New York, eventually receiving a doctorate in theology. 

Merle met Charlotte Stewart when they were both working in Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park. They married 65 years ago, on August 15, 1959. They have four sons; Thomas, Paul, Douglas, and Peter. Their family has grown to include daughters-in- law, grandchildren and great-granddaughters.

Merle’s strong Christian faith and compassion was felt by all who met him, the families he ministered to, his own family and friends, and the communities he served. His loving heart and arms were open to people from all walks of life. Merle served as a Pastor in New Jersey for 12 years. He provided support and services to many people and became active in the civil rights movement of that time. In 1969, God compelled him to join the US Air Force where he served as a Chaplain for 20 years, living in Germany, Thailand, and the Azores. Through his time as a minister and chaplain, as well as in day-to-day life, Merle demonstrated a strong sense of doing what was right. 

In his retirement years, Merle pastored churches in Sacramento and Rio Linda, and when Charlotte and Merle moved to Lincoln in 2003, they helped develop Lincoln Community Church. In recent years, Charlotte and Merle co-authored a book “Christ Jesus the Rock.” 

Above all, Merle was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his large family and his dogs. His sons will remember him as a kind and patient dad who took time to listen to them and give them guidance. Merle especially shared his love of football and golf with his sons and grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 21st, beginning at 1:00 pm, at the Lincoln Hills Community Church, 950 E Joiner Pkwy, Lincoln, CA 95648.