Mark Anthony Cooper

Mark Anthony Cooper was born November 15, 1956, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Bennie and Sam Ethel Cooper. Mark transitioned to his heavenly home surrounded by close family and friends on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at his residence in Saginaw, Michigan, at the age of 67 years.

Mark graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1974. Mark worked at Saginaw Upholstery, Saginaw Malleable Iron Plant, and Delta Truss. He was baptized in his youth at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and continued his relationship through his final breath.

Mark had a passion for writing and performing music. He would travel all over the state of Michigan performing in a variety of Rock and Roll venues. Three of the bands he played with were Simon Sez, Lost Nation and Eternal Afterburn where he produced one album. He loved spending time with his family, riding his bike, and playing video games. Gamers would come from all over the State just to play with him. Mark especially loved traveling with his family. The first trip was a sibling only trip to Honolulu, Hawaii. This was followed by 6 all family members inclusive trips to Destin Florida; he was looking forward to his 7th vacation to Destin this year. It will never be the same without Mark, his antics and his storytelling. He had a trip planned to San Diego, California, to play with the performer, Orianthi, later this year. Mark, the man and his music, will be deeply missed by the family and friends who dearly loved him.

He leaves to cherish loving memories, four daughters and six sons: Mark Bashans (Aleta Romero), Lydia Bashans, Eric (Danielle) Cooper, Anna Bashans, Michelle Williams, Brandon (Sabrina) Cooper, Bennie Cooper, Jazmine (Tre’mar) Nevitt, Alex Cooper, and Phillip Cooper. Mark will be missed by his special companion and best friend, Beth Mauer. Mark also leaves fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his parents, Bennie and Shirley Cooper; siblings Carla (Sheldon “Snap”) Matthews, Terry (Ingrid) Cooper, Linda Seard, Cristi (Johnny) Ray, Barbara (Sydney) Addison, and Larry (Melisa) McCloud and many other relatives and friends including his special friends, Ross Barnett, Kenneth Geiser, Andre Sturis, Rueben Reyes, and his band, Eternal Afterburn.

Mark was preceded in death by his infant son, Justin Cooper; his mother, Sam Ethel Cooper; sister, Bonnie Cooper; grandparents, Willie and Nancy Cooper, Theodore and Velma Currin, and a special aunt, Justine Coleman.

The family would like to express special thanks to Mark’s oldest daughter and caregiver, Lydia Bashans.