Nick Cooper, age 62, of English, IN passed away on February 26, 2024, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, New York surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 25, 1961, to Curtis Cooper and Lana Janell (Trujillo) Cooper in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Nick possessed an extreme passion for everything to which he set his mind. His attention to details and enthusiasm for his interests and work were second to none. Everyone who knew him best - knew that this depth of knowledge was deepest in the realm of sports. A lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bulls advocate, and NASCAR enthusiast where he idolized Dale Earnhardt "The Intimidator" - one sport stood clearly above the rest: Baseball.

An incredible athlete in his youth, Nick was the best center fielders there was; possessing an absolute cannon of an arm with the capability of throwing straight to home plate from the centerfield fence. His agility and speed enabled him to steal bases at-will, never being thrown out once in his career. During his prime - he was even scouted by his favorite team the Cincinnati Reds.

In his final days, Nick embarked on a journey with his sister Shauncee to achieve his sole-bucket list dream of visiting the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame. During his courageous journey north from Indiana, their route took them through Cincinnati. When faced with the option of visiting the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Hall of Fame, Nick decided there wasn't time - choosing his love of the sport of baseball over the love of his favorite team. They continued north to get to Cooperstown as quickly as possible.

Upon arriving into Cooperstown, Nick's health declined rapidly with no other option but to admit him into the ICU. He was a mere four blocks from the fabled halls where the legends and heroes of his lifelong passion were etched into history. The compassionate medical staff of Bassett Medical Center led by Dr. Bruce Kramer were heartbroken at Nick's story. To get so close to achieving his lifelong dream and falling just as he was about to slide into home plate.

Nick's closest family suddenly traveled from all over the country from Utah, South Carolina, and Georgia to be with him in his final days. Plans were in the works with the support of the medical staff to escort him through the Hall of Fame so he could achieve his dream, but ultimately, he decided that was too much for him.

With mere hours remaining, Nick's son Eric decided that if he couldn't go to the Hall of Fame himself, then the Hall of Fame must come to Nick. Together with Dr. Bruce Kramer, they reached out to the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to express this dire situation in hopes of a representative coming to visit Nick personally before he passed.

Less than two hours later, Josh Rawitch - President of the Hall of Fame - came to visit Nick at his bedside. The first thing he said was that Shoeless Joe Jackson deserved to be inducted into the Hall of Fame - and over the next hour, the two of them went back and forth talking about incredible details of the sport of Baseball. The joy in Nick's eyes during these exchanges was truly something to behold.

President Rawitch then presented Nick with many incredible memorabilia of his favorite Cincinnati Reds player of all time Joe Morgan. It was then that he shook his hand and officially welcomed Nick into the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame family. Shortly after their goodbyes, Nick went to sleep with a smile of bliss on his face. A smile of a life's dream fulfilled.

Nick then said his goodbyes to his family members, telling them how much he loved all of them and they held hands together in prayer. Nick's last words were: "I am not afraid to die. Mom don't cry please. Dad I love you too."

Less than 2 hours after his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame family, Nick passed away in peace.

Nick was a United States Marines Veteran and worked as a masterful cabinet maker during his life.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather Clarence Curtis Cooper, grandmother Wanda Marie Cooper, sister Danielle Ailise Cooper-Hawkins, and his brother Curtis Dana Cooper.

Surviving Nick are his parents, his sons Eric James Cooper and Jason Harper, grandchildren; Madison, Savannah, and Waylon Harper, siblings; Shauncee (Dewaine) DeLoach, Tara (Tim) Smith and Shannon (Jeff) Kitchens and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Denbo Funeral Home in English, IN.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10:00 am until service time at 2:00 pm.

Pastor Tim Jellison will be officiating the funeral service with burial to follow at English Cemetery in English, IN.

Online condolences may be made at www.denbo-dillmanfuneralhomes.com

Denbo Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Nick Cooper.