Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Francis Eugene Cooper, 73, Sandusky,"Gene" or "Coop", as he was known by most, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday, January 1, 2021, at his residence.
Born on May 12, 1947 in Cleveland, Gene lived most of his childhood and adult life in the Port Clinton and Sandusky area.
Growing up on Catawba, he graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1965 and enjoyed frequenting the dance hall at Gem Beach as a young adult. With an encyclopedic knowledge of facts, figures, and trivia and penchant for storytelling, Gene was a natural for sales, having early jobs at Woolworth's then selling restaurant supplies for Breckenridge, a short stint peddling insurance, and eventually selling cars at a variety of area dealerships, such as Norm Thayer, Mathews, Sharpnack, and lastly Steinle in Clyde where he retired in 2012.
Whether you knew him from buying a car, having coffee at the many local restaurants he loved patronizing, or walking at one of the indoor or outdoor tracks, Gene had a gift for making people feel special. When he talked to you, the stories flowed so effortlessly and entertainingly, one questioned how true the stories really were. But this was part of the charm and allure of him and his tales. And if you ever stumbled across facts he had shared supporting their veracity, you would gain an even deeper appreciation and look forward to the next time you saw him to share them all over again. These conversations will be missed by so many.
He is survived by his son, Doug Cooper of Vermilion, his daughter Trisha (John) Eblin and their children Haley, Brendan, and Cassidy, from Grosse Ile, MI, and cherished family friend, James (Carrie) Horst of Miami Beach, FL.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Cooper and Florence Tanski Owens.
A Memorial service for Gene's family & friends will be held at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021. A celebration of life will take place at a later date and place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene's name to St Peter & Paul Catholic Church (Enter Amount under Memorials and Enter Francis Cooper).
Condolences may be shared by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.
