Columbus, OH — Heaven’s gate opened for Esau Cooper, Jr., 85, of Auburn, who peacefully joined his beloved wife, Diana Jo Cooper, on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Though we grieve his absence here, we find solace knowing he is finally reunited with the love of his life, where their bond will forever bloom in the light of God’s grace.
Esau was born on Oct. 19, 1939 in Hartford, Conn. to Esau and Charlotte Cooper. He was raised by his grandparents, Harry and Jane in Ellsworth. He married Diana on July 1, 1970 and together they ran a successful asphalt paving business, Cooper Paving, for over 40 years before their son took ownership of the business in 2006.
Esau was well-known in the Lewiston/Auburn community for his happy-go-lucky personality, making people laugh, his asphalt paving business, dedication to his beloved horses and harness racing. He was kind and very generous and would help anyone in need. Esau was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Auburn and he was Kora Temple Shriner.
Esau and Diana enjoyed spending many winters in Florida with their horses and friends. After Diana’s passing, Esau lived at Montello Heights Independent Living Center in Lewiston. He loved living there; socializing with his friends, playing games and cards, and going on day trips wearing his cowboy hat.
Esau will be lovingly remembered by his children Theodore Cooper and his wife Tasha of Minot, Lillian Dunsmoor and her husband Edgar of Houston, Texas, and Victoria Lange of Jupiter, Fl.a. He will also be fondly and lovingly remembered by his 10 grandchildren, Chelsey Bouffard and her husband Kyle, Matthew Cooper and his wife Eliza, Joshua Cooper and his wife Meaghan, all of Minot, Caitlin Clements of Omaha, Neb., Carley Clements, Stephen Clements and Teague Clements all of Houston, Texas, Blake Lange, Ian Lange and Ross Lange, all of Jupiter, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Beau and Brooks Bouffard, Cole, Case, Carson and Sloane Cooper; his siblings Ruth “Tootles” Stanley, Ivy Stanley, Nation Young and Richard “Rippy” Dow, brother-in-law, Charles “Chip” Hersom and wife Cheryl; and many cousins and friends.
Respecting Esau’s wishes, arrangements for a private graveside burial will be held in the spring.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Montello Heights, and the Andwell Hospice staff for his most recent care.