MALVERN, AR — There were few dry eyes in the crowd Wednesday during a vigil for a father who died protecting his daughter from a falling tree. The tree crashed down Johnathan Cooper, 28, and his family during a storm last Thursday.
People held candles as prayers were said and family members talked about Cooper’s infectious smile, his love for family and his ability to cheer people up even in the worst of times.
“He touched a lot of people here,” said Johnathan’s cousin Donald Smith. “He’s gone but… he’s a hero.”
In attendance was 14-month-old Neveah Cooper, Johnathan’s daughter. Family member say Johnathan dove over her to shield her from the tree as it crashed down on the bed where she was sleeping.
Johnathan was engaged to be married. He and his fiancé’s 9-year-old son were already very close.
The boy gave a heartbreaking speech during the vigil saying “he did everything for me.”
A funeral is set for next Saturday at the Bethel Church Vine Street in Malvern.
An account has been set up at US Bank under the name “Johnathan Cooper” to benefit Johnathan’s daughter. Donations can be made at any US Bank.
People held candles as prayers were said and family members talked about Cooper’s infectious smile, his love for family and his ability to cheer people up even in the worst of times.
“He touched a lot of people here,” said Johnathan’s cousin Donald Smith. “He’s gone but… he’s a hero.”
In attendance was 14-month-old Neveah Cooper, Johnathan’s daughter. Family member say Johnathan dove over her to shield her from the tree as it crashed down on the bed where she was sleeping.
Johnathan was engaged to be married. He and his fiancé’s 9-year-old son were already very close.
The boy gave a heartbreaking speech during the vigil saying “he did everything for me.”
A funeral is set for next Saturday at the Bethel Church Vine Street in Malvern.
An account has been set up at US Bank under the name “Johnathan Cooper” to benefit Johnathan’s daughter. Donations can be made at any US Bank.
