Christopher Van Cooper
Christopher Van Cooper was born on January 4, 1966, in Mobile, Alabama, and was the third oldest of six children born to Willie Abe Cooper and Shirley Marie Cooper. His parents taught him and his siblings the importance of hard work, dedication, and showing love and kindness to others from a young age.
Christopher graduated from Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama, in 1985. He then attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he met the love of his life, Leontyne Watkins. In 1992, he earned a B.S. in Computer Science.
Following graduation, Christopher and Leontyne relocated to League City, Texas, where they both began working in computer science at Loral Space Information Systems.This exciting new chapter in their lives marked the start of a shared journey, as they not only advanced professionally but also built a future together. Later, Christopher joined KBR as a contractor for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he worked for 32 years.
On July 25, 1992, Christopher and Leontyne united in holy matrimony, exchanging vows and beginning their life as husband and wife. Their love and commitment to each other grew stronger as they navigated both their careers and personal lives, creating a bond that lasted a lifetime. Their union blessed them with three beautiful children, Cristian Thomas, Cameron Abe, and Caitlyn LaShae.
He is survived and deeply cherished by his wife of 32 years, Leontyne; three children: Cristian (Payton) Cooper of Beaumont, Texas, Cameron Cooper, and Caitlyn Cooper of League City, Texas; two grandchildren: Shane August Cooper and Sienna Autumn Cooper; one uncle: George Wilson (Francine) of Mobile, Alabama; five siblings: Ida Bennett (Cliff) of Mobile, Alabama, Melody Cooper of Mobile, Alabama, Charles Cooper (Roslyn) of Mobile, Alabama, Bernard Cooper of Mobile, Alabama, and Princess Cooper of Mobile, Alabama; Mother in Love: Bonnie Melton of Dolomite, Alabama, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a goddaughter, and many loving friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Victorious Living Christian Center, 639 Smith Lane, League City, TX 77573.
We invite friends and family to join us in honoring Christopher’s memory, share stories, and reflect on the joy he brought into our lives. While we mourn his loss, we find solace in his love, and his unwavering faith in the Lord. Christopher will be loved and deeply missed by all.
May God continue to bless you and your family in your time of loss .. Just know we Love you and the family… Love your cuz Vonda Kaye… ❤️ 💙🩵
God bless Coach Coop. He was a true mentor. Kind, intelligent, helpful, and a man who did not demand respect but had it from so many because of the strength of his character. I will truly miss him and my prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Sending our sincere condolences. My God strengthen and bring comfort to those that are close to him.
So sorry for your loss.
He was one of the nicest and best men that I’ve ever known. Always had that great smile.
I worked with him for many years at NASA. Many a time Chris was the calm voice in tech meeting disagreements.
We also share an interest in baseball and I remember a day where we spent most of the work day trying to find out how Mariano Rivera threw his cutter so that Chris could teach his sons.
I’ll miss him
Leontyne and family,
I was saddened to hear of the transition of your husband. I am sending heartfelt prayers and condolences that God will comfort your hearts during this time. Remember, earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Sandra R. Jackson
AAMU, Mobile, AL
Leontyne and family,
I was saddened to hear of the transition of your husband. I am sending heartfelt prayers and condolences that God will comfort your hearts during this time. Remember, earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Sandra R. Jackson
Alabama AAMU Alumni
Mobile, AL
I am so sad to hear this news. Mr. Cooper was one of my son’s favorite coaches and the things he learned from this honorable and faithful man were not just about baseball. My experience with Little League would not have been the same without Chris and his whole family and I am truly thankful that I was privileged to call him a friend. My prayers go out to his wonderful family at this difficult time.
God has Blessed me Greatly by sending Mr. Cooper into my life. He has supported & guided me in my career. He is the reason I am here in Texas today. He recognized my potential to be successful in the career path that I had chosen. He assisted, advised and protected me, but stepped away & an allowed me to grow like a big brother. He was always just a phone call away and would be there at a moments notice if he was needed… He was selected as my daughter’s godfather and he did a wonderful job. She loved him and always happy to see him. Leontyne and Mr. Cooper were a great couple. They were a remarkable example of family and marriage. Thank You for your counsel… I am truly grateful and blessed to have known you… Mr. Cooper… Rest Well… Job Well Done… My Brother
Our hearts have been heavy since hearing news of your passing Coach Cooper. We are ever so lucky to have met you all those years ago when the boys started Little League baseball. You are an amazing husband, family man, mentor and friend, your positivity showed with every word spoken & the loge you have for your beautiful family. We will continue to keep Leontyne and the kids in our prayers. May GOD bring them peace, understanding and healing during this unexpected time.
Jimmy and I just loved Coach Cooper. He exhibited such joy in all he did and it was infectious. When asked how he was doing, he would give you that big smile and say all is well Ms. Paulette, all is well. He would make my day better by his joyous demeanor. He coached our son for many years and showed such love for him even when he did the wrong thing. The world has lost a great man, one that will forever be missed. The Pearson Family knows that Coach Cooper is in heaven with our Lord and Savior, and he will be watching over all of his loved ones from now on. May God surround the Cooper Family during these hard days to come as you learn how to live without his great love for people, and his infectious joy. We love you all.
Coach Cooper was a great Man and Coach. The World needs more people like him. I loved watching our boys play baseball together or even talking baseball when no one was playing. I also enjoyed just catching up on Chris and Cam when Coach and I ran into each other. He always had a smile that would brighten my day. He will be missed but never forgotten 🙏💜🙏
Love,
Kristof