Page 64 - New Mexico Horse Breeder Summer 2018

IN MEMORIAM
JOHN MARK COOPER NOVEMBER 28, 1978 – MAY 31, 2018
John Mark Cooper passed away May 31, 2018 in Midland, Texas along side his son, 16 year old Gavyn Mark Cooper, when their single engine plane crashed shortly before takeoff. A memorial service was held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Stonegate Fellowship Church in Midland.
John Mark was born in Midland, Texas November 28, 1978. He grew up in Odessa, Texas and attended Odessa High School.
John played high school football sporting
the number “8” jersey. After High School John moved to Midland where he met and married his soul mate, Chassity Pullen. They were married 17 years and have two children, Gavyn Mark Cooper and Callie Faith Cooper, sister of Gavyn and daughter of John. John was an honest man who always kept his word. He was a loving father and a devoted husband. Callie was John’s princess and he called her his angel. Callie always said her dad was her hero.
John had a loving heart and an amazing work ethic. He had high work standards for himself and all those around him. He began working on drilling rigs for Patterson UTI Drilling Company, working his way up to
rig supervisor. Later he became a drilling consultant, working for Sandridge, Devon and several other oil and gas companies. He was the COO and co-founder of MDC Texas Energy, LLC, an independent exploration and production company based in Midland, Texas, at the time of his death.
John’s second passion was horses. He has loved horses since he was a toddler. Four years ago he started JMC Ranches to provide training for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds.
John is survived by his soul mate Chassity Cooper of Midland; daughter Callie Faith Cooper of Midland; mother and step-father Nancy and Gary Chappell of Midland; brother Monty Morgan and wife Megan of Rogers, Arkansas; Aunt Toni Roberts of Midland; Aunt Connie Waddell and husband Dennis of Angleton, TX; Uncle Richard Womack and wife Janet of Valley View, TX; sister-in-law Tisha Pullen of Midland; brother-in-law Brian Pool
of Midland; step-brother Joel Chappell
of Lewisville, TX; step-brother Jeremy Chappell and wife Christy of Midland, TX; step-sister Theresa Cyphers and husband Paul of Midland, TX; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. John is predeceased by his father, Lonnie Cooper.
John lived his life to the fullest and accomplished his dreams. Most importantly he loved God.
Visitation was at the Branch at npw on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations go to : Faith Comes By Hearing at: https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/4 or call 1-800-545-6552 (7 am – 4 pm) or (505) 881-3321 (9 am – 4 pm) or Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center (MCRC), please call (432) 498-2053 or email: bmueller@midlandchildrens.org.
DONALD “D. J.” ELKINS NOVEMBER 14, 1927 – APRIL 8, 2018
Donald “D. J.” Elkins, 90, of Aztec, passed away on April 8, 2018. D. J. was born on November 14, 1927 in Bluewater, New Mexico to Tom & Josephine (Tietgen) Elkins.
D. J. graduated from Grants High School. He was the owner of D. J. Elkins Livestock.
D. J. was a rancher and trader. He bought sheep, cattle, pinon nuts, wool and mohair from the reservation and western part of New Mexico. He had been a member of the Elks Club for
40 years. His hobby was racing Thoroughbred horses and was a member of the New Mexico Horse Breeders Association for many years. He loved and supported all of his family.
In addition to his parents, Tom & Josephine Elkins, D. J. is preceded in death by brothers, Lawrence, Ken, Jack, Keith, Dave and Fred; sisters, Mildred and Hatti; and son, Scott Elkins.
D. J. is survived by his loving wife, Gwen; son, Donny (Karla) Elkins; daughters, Reida (Ron) Baca; step-daughters, Mistie (Doak) Smailer and Melissa (Greg) Orphey; daughter-in-law, Katrina Elkins; brother, Lynn (Buddy) Elkins; grandchildren, Lauren Bruington, Shawn Elkins, Brittany Scott, Sandy Baca, Cassi Breener, Kayla Harr, Matt Smailer, Chloe Padkoniak, and Jonathan Elkins; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14 at SunRay Park & Casino, with Dick Elkins officiating. Interment/burial took place at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 15 at Elkins Family Cemetery in Prewitt, New Mexico. Honorary Pallbearers are Tom Gabehart, Bill McConneell, Phil Wiseman, Chuck Shirk and Howard Lambson.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity or cause of your choice, or to San Juan College.
Funeral arrangements were with Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache St; 505-325- 2211. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at farmingtonfuneral.com.
62 New Mexico Horse Breeder
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