Jerry Thomas Cooper

Jerry Thomas Cooper, 74, resident of Beech Grove, Indiana passed away suddenly at his residence on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Jerry was born on July 5, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Alfred Thomas Cooper and Katherine Lucille (Spurling) Cooper. Jerry graduated from George Washington High School in the class of 1965. He went on to attend Indiana Central College and graduated from the FBI Academy.

Jerry retired from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in October of 1999 as the Colonel and Executive Officer after 31 years of dedicated service. Jerry began working for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in 1969. While there he served his community in many different roles beginning as a Deputy in the Jail Division 1969-1970, and then as a Deputy in the Law Enforcement Division (Road Patrol) 1970-1972. He went on to the rank of Sergeant in the Law Enforcement Division 1972-1977. Jerry served as a Lieutenant in the Law Enforcement Division 1977-1982 and as a Lieutenant in the Investigation Division 1982-1987. He was a Captain in the Investigation Division 1987-1989. Jerry went on to serve as Deputy Chief Commander of the Jail Division 1989-1992 and the Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division 1992-1995.

Jerry also served as the Director of Security for The Indianapolis Colts from 1993-1999. He was the proud Owner of J. Cooper Inc., 1990-1999 and Cooper Trucking 1999-2005.

Jerry’s memberships and involvement with the community were as vast as his career with the Sheriff’s Department. He was a Member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 86 where he was a past Executive Board Member. A two-time kidney transplant recipient, Jerry was a Past President of The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana. He served on the Executive Board for O.A.R (Offender Aid and Restoration) and was a past President of the Keenan/Stahl Boys and Girls Club. He was a 4th degree Knight in The Knights of Columbus, Bishop Chatard Assembly. Jerry also was a member of The Diamond Club for The University of Cincinnati’s baseball program, as well as The Greyhound Club for The University of Indianapolis. He was an active member of all three Beech Grove posts for The Fraternal Order of Eagles, The American Legion, and The Fraternal Order of the Moose Lodge. Jerry was a devoted member of St. Roch Catholic Church. He was also a past volunteer at The Indianapolis Zoo, specifically the Orangutan Exhibit.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Keith (Denise) Cooper, Darlene (Kevin) Hawk, Amy (Kevin) Kendall, and Stacy (Mike) O’Gara; his grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney (Chris) Swift, Tom (Brittany) Cooper, Colin (Katelyn) Hawk, Austin O’Gara, Kaitlyn (Blake) Ward, Kelsey Kendall, Reagan O’Gara, and Braeden Cooper; his step-grandchildren, Megan Hawk, Kevin (Sara) Hawk, Samantha (Erynn) Story, Lindsey (Jeremy) Willey, and Ryan (Hannah) Kendall; his great grandchildren, Jeremiah Swift, Rory Cooper, and Presley Ward; his step great grandchildren, Brylee Willey, Brody Willey, Ava Sallier, Alena Sallier, Sophia Hawk, Stella Hawk, Landyn Kendall and Makenna Kendall; his sister, Brenda (Mike) Turk; his step father, Donald Keith; his best friend ever and loyal canine companion, Rebel; a host of extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

Jerry’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 2 to 8 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. Additional Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the funeral home, 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Prayers will be said at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., in St. Roch Catholic Church. Burial will follow at West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Scholarship Fund or The Greyhound Club; envelopes for both entities will be provided at the funeral home Wednesday evening. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.