Terry Lee Cooper, 83, passed away on May 15, 2026. He was born on January 23, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Clifford and Marguerite Cooper. Terry attended Anderson High School and graduated in 1962. He married Joyce Simpson on September 30, 1967, at Cherry Grove United Methodist Church.
Terry followed in his father’s footsteps and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad which later became Penn Central and then Conrail. He was a railroad engineer for 39 years, before retiring in 2003.
In his retirement, Terry enjoyed attending car shows and being in classic car clubs. He was an active member of the Hoodlum Alley Boys and the Ford Crown Victoria Association. Terry enjoyed showing his award-winning 1956 Ford Crown Vic and 1963 Comet Convertible with his good friend Mike Beckwith.
Terry loved spending time with retired coworkers and railroad enthusiasts. Terry would operate model trains and relive railroad memories with these old friends, especially his longtime friend and former conductor, Don Staley.
Terry’s faith was an important part of his life. He devoted countless hours to Cherry Grove United Methodist Church, serving wherever he was needed — in both visible and behind-the-scenes roles, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.
Terry was a proud member of the United States Army Reserve. He was also a Freemason and member of Yeatman Lodge #162. Terry held the degree of Master Mason for 50 years.
He is survived by his son Kevin Cooper (Heather), daughter Gayle Neff (Sean), grandsons Mason Cooper (Corwin), Zane Cooper (partner Courtney Helms), Austin Cooper (partner Xeni Drath), Brady Pipenur, sister Sue Pauley (Dan), sisters-in-law Nadine Schilling and Linda Cooper, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents Clifford Cooper and Marguerite Cooper, his wife Joyce Cooper, his sister Shirley Brokamp, and brothers William Schilling, Jerry Cooper and Richard Cooper.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11am at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 686 Mount Moriah Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45245. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.