Leonard "Buster" Cooper (1923–2014)
Leonard “Buster” Cooper, 90, of Dallas, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Legacy at Preston Hollow. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher and friend to all that knew and loved him. He was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, on August 30, 1923 to Benton Marshall Cooper and Nora Lee Cooper. On January 27th, 1959, he married Marianne Prather Jones, a commercial artist who was his loving partner for 54 years until her death on March 17, 2013. They had 2 daughters, Katherine Lee Cooper Leverton and Leslie Anne Cooper. After the tragic loss of Kathy, Buster and Anne selflessly raised her 3 young children.
Buster was a generous, compassionate, and devoted man who tirelessly supported his family without complaint. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and an extraordinary dance instructor/choreographer who taught 4 tap classes a week up until very recently. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and contagious joie de vivre, coupled with his get-it-done attitude, made him beloved among the many students and colleagues of his almost eight decade career. He always offered a shoulder to cry on and was a living legacy that exemplified the ideals of art and dance. Survivors include his daughter Leslie Anne Cooper and long time family friend Sandra Pastiro of Dallas. Grandchildren include Keira Anne Leverton, Rayna Lee Northrup and husband Tom, and Jason Albert Leverton. Great grandchildren include Jamie, Kathy Anne, and Lilly Northrup. He is also survived by grand niece Shawndra Oglesby and husband Clay and great grand nephew and niece Alex and Savannah Oglesby.
