Leonard Ray Cooper Sr.

Leonard Ray Cooper was born on March 21st, 1973, in Kansas City, Kansas to Joyce Marie Cooper and Wayne Arnold Cooper, Sr. Both parents and his brother, Wayne Arnold Cooper, Jr. preceded him in death. Early in life, Leonard accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and throughout his life his spiritual faith continued to grow. Later in life, he even became an accomplished Deacon at Embassy International Ministries. He devoted his life to God, making it his life’s mission to build up his children in love while ministering to anyone and everyone who came to him seeking help, comfort, wisdom, guidance, and, of course, love.  Leonard was married for 13 years to Madia Brown.  He was blessed with gifted hands and began to pursue a career in barbering at the age of 16. While attending Cutting Edge Styling Academy, he held multiple odd jobs, was under a lot of pressure. Through it all, he took care of his children, his business, and his family. He used life lessons and things he learned from God to give them the best knowledge and advice they could ask for.  He worked diligently to find solid footing in the barber world and, upon graduation, he began employment at The Hood Barbershop where he worked for the rest of his life. His dream of becoming a successful man merged with his love and passion for barbering when God granted him the honor of owning the same barbershop he had spent many years working in. He eventually rebuilt it and changed the name to TheNeighborHood Barbershop. Staying late, spending his own money on supplies for the whole shop, and keeping the establishment preserved was rewarded. He touched many people’s lives and made it his life’s mission to lead his family with Godly wisdom in love and kindness, always declaring “You have the whole world going against you, family is all that you got.” Coop, as he was affectionately called, was very passionate in all that he did, always managing to muscle through any obstacle that he faced. He encouraged others to strive just as hard if not even harder to go after their dreams. All while using his own life as an example on how change is real and can happen to anyone when you give everything to God. His life shined brightly as he worked hard to be a better man, a better father, a better person, and a better child of God every day. God called a kind, funny, knowledgeable, and outright gentle soul home. Leonard was a father, a brother, and a grandfather to a loving family first. His children, Kendric Hicks, Joshua Dupree, Monica Hayes, Leonard II Cooper, Faith Dupree, Leon’ia Cooper, Keleon Cooper, and Madileon Cooper will cherish his memory. He was the third oldest of his brothers, Lonnie, Nathaniel, and Andrew Cooper. He had one sister, Saundra Cooper. And as a grandpa, the legacy he left will be lived out through his six grandchildren. Leonard Cooper leaves a host of extended family and many beloved friends whom he loved very much and deeply cherished. He also leaves behind a special lady friend, Nafeesah Ervin. Leonard Cooper loved his children, his family, and wholeheartedly believed in God. He will be missed endlessly.  

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