L. Frank Cooper

L. Frank Cooper, age 84, was born on May 4, 1940, in Willow Creek, MT to Raymond and Frances Cooper. He was the youngest to brothers Chan, Bill & Larry, and was married to Shirley Cleary on June 18, 1982.

Frank was born and worked on the family ranch in Willow Creek, MT. He then attended Montana State University in Bozeman where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After receiving a degree in Physics, he married his first wife with whom he had four children: Alicia, Clay, Curtis and Aaron. He then attended a graduate program to study Physics at the University of Washington in Seattle.

After dating for several years, Frank and Shirley Cleary were married in Helena in 1982. She finally got Frank to relax and allow the kids to have their dog on the couch. Frank worked at Mountain Bell/US West for 27-years before semi-retiring to a split career as a tax season professional in the spring and fishing guide the rest of the year.

Frank and Shirley had a shared love of fly fishing, and they were often found casting flies from Alaska to New Zealand, but nothing was better than fly fishing in Montana. Frank was often featured in beautiful paintings and etchings of fishing landscapes by his famous wife, Shirley.

He loved volunteering his time to Montana Trout Unlimited by serving as President of the local Pat Barnes chapter and as state Treasurer & Chairman. He spent many years building a cabin on his beloved Missouri River. He spent many days on the porch and fishing on the Missouri river. Frank also was an avid waterfowl & upland game hunter, birdwatcher, and enjoyed traveling to famous fishing locations. After visiting New Zealand, he bought a small home where he and Shirley spent the Montana winters for 15 years. Frank could often be found tying flies, woodworking, or relaxing with a book.

Frank is survived by his wife, Shirley Cleary; his children, Clay (Cindy), Alicia (Al Tuck), and Curtis (Linda); his grandchildren, Sienna and Addie; his brother, Larry; extended relatives; and his beloved dogs, Bell and Blackie.

Services will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home and Crematory, 3750 North Montana Avenue, Helena, MT 59602.

A Viewing will take place on July 16, 2024, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A reception will be held in the Social Hall of the funeral home following the service. Burial will be held at the Willow Creek Cemetery in Willow Creek, MT at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Please visit http://www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Frank.

Please no gifts or flowers. Donations in Frank's name may be made to Montana Trout Unlimited (https://montanatu.org/) and Pheasants Forever Headwaters Chapter (https://www.headwaterspf563.org/).