Cooper Clay Cruson

Cooper Clay Cruson, 43, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died on January 21, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born to Gary and Carla Cruson on July 9, 1981, Cooper grew up in Clinton, OK, graduating with honors from Clinton High School in 2000. Throughout his youth, he enjoyed all sports and was a Red Tornado baseball player for all 4 years of high school, advancing to the State Championship his senior year. He also was a starting member of the Reds basketball team and was active in his school’s vocal music program.

He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a Master’s of Health Administration. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, which brought him lifelong friends and brothers. He was selected to serve as Rush Chairman for the fraternity, demonstrating leadership, social prowess and his trademark charisma. 

Cooper’s career took him both near and far, first as a Staffing Recruiter for Apex Systems in Dallas, TX. He then began working in the healthcare industry as Assistant Manager for CSL Plasma Centers in Montgomery, AL. This opportunity led him to El Paso, TX and finally back to Tulsa, OK, where he oversaw Quality Control for CSL until the time of his death.

Most people remember Cooper as the funniest person they knew, often using his wit and charm to control a room or, as his mother recalls with a smile and eye roll, to negotiate a lesser punishment or a more lenient curfew. But, more than humor, he valued faith and family. He gave his life to Christ at a young age and was actively involved in youth activities at First Baptist Church in Clinton. A loving son, brother, uncle, and friend, Cooper was always the first to remember someone’s birthday, keeping everyone in line with his trusted morning group text reminders. He was sentimental in both big and small ways, becoming the favorite teller of family tales and honorary historian (although he was prone to embellishment). An adventurer at heart, when he was healthy, he enjoyed outdoor sports and activities such as wakeboarding, snowboarding, and playing golf. 

He is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Clarence and Millie (Meacham) Cruson, maternal grandparents C.V. and Velma (Brasier) Hodges and step-grandmother Florence (Erwin) Hodges, and father Gary Nolan Cruson. He is survived by his mother, Carla (Hodges) Cruson, of Clinton, OK; sister Kendy (Cruson) Cox, husband Jason, niece Bailey, and nephews Nolan and Bennett of Yukon, OK; brother Chance Cruson, wife Meagan, nephews Ford, Cash and Wells, and niece Arly of Ardmore, OK; and brother Conner Cruson, wife Teryn, nephew Everett, niece Ainsley, and their newest addition soon to be born. 

In addition to his immediate family, Cooper was loved and cherished by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Described as perceptive, steadfast, and kind-hearted, Cooper’s beautiful smile and easy laugh were infectious to all. While a mere 43 years seems unfair and unjust to human hearts, his family puts their ultimate faith and trust in God’s plans. His services are slated for 10 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Clinton United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rick Robart officiating. Visitation will be held at Lee Hometown Funeral Home on Thursday, January 30 from 10:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, January 31 from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Parkersburg cemetery, all under the direction of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.