Barney Mason Cooper, Sr.

Barney Mason Cooper, Sr., 76, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on March 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Marrero, Louisiana. Born on December 17, 1949, in an earthly paradise on the beautiful Utila Cays, Utila, Bay Islands of Honduras, he was the cherished son of Dulcine Elma Howell Cooper and Lucine Dalton Cooper.

Barney is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 54 years, Thelma Louise, and their three children: Stephanie Michelle of Marrero, LA; Benjamin Mason (wife Cindy Rosales) of Fulton, MD; and Barney Mason Jr. (wife Erica Rubio) of Marrero, LA. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Cedric Richter, Ariana Pertuit, Nadia Richter, Kenneth Cooper, Isaiah Cooper, Mason Cooper, Daniel Cooper, and Jayvin Cooper. He is also survived by his brother Jack, his twin sister Barbara Cooper Bodden, nine brothers- and sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nancy Cooper Jackson, his brothers Dalton and Ward, his in-laws Richard and Melba Diamond, and two brothers-in-law.

Barney enjoyed a rewarding 42‑year career in the U.S. Merchant Marines as an engineer (QMED), serving at sea and earning the respect of his shipmates. The majority of his career was with the International Organization of Master, Mates, and Pilots, but he also worked with the Crescent River Port Pilots’ Association, and Tidewater, Inc. After retiring from life on the water, he enjoyed working on land with the island crews at All Conventions Cleaners of New Orleans, LA, where his strong work ethic and ability to make everyone laugh will be sincerely missed.

Above all, Barney loved the Lord and devoted himself to serving Him. He was a faithful and active member of Faith Temple Church of God in Avondale, LA, where he worshiped and sang. When home on the Utila Cays, he was a dedicated member of the Utila Cays Church of God, and he frequently traveled to Maryland to assist with Home and World Missions projects at FDV Church of God in Silver Spring. He and Thelma were often called upon as special singers, as his smooth baritone voice blessed congregations and brought comfort and joy to many.

When he wasn’t working or serving others, Barney could be found doing two of his favorite things: fishing and spending time on his boat, the “Who Dat!” He also took great delight in keeping his yard in pristine shape, especially loved riding the lawn mower in Maryland. Most of all, he treasured time with his children and grandchildren—cheering from the stands at their sports and school events, sharing stories, and making sure they knew how deeply they were loved.

Barney had a gift for telling jokes and making people laugh, and his warm smile could brighten any room. All who knew him considered him “salt of the earth,” a man whose quiet strength, generosity, and compassion spoke louder than words. He worked intentionally to instill those same qualities in his children and grandchildren, and his legacy of faith, kindness, and service will live on through them for generations to come.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by all the medical personnel in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, who worked with Barney., Sr.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider contributions AND PRAYERS in memory of Barney Cooper Sr. to www.fdvministries.org for missions outreach.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Faith Temple Church of God, 800 South Jamie Boulevard, Westwego, Louisiana 70094 on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:30am with visitation from 10am to 11:30am. Interment will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana 70056.

MOTHE Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.