Cooper Nicklaus McMullen

Cooper Nicklaus McMullen, 18, of Clinton attained celestial tranquility on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  He was born to Jeffery S. McMullen and Amy A. Sprouls McMullen on August 30, 2005.  Cooper was an old soul and had a free spirit.  His kindness, wit, humor, and always groovy style brought so much happiness to everyone he came across.  Cooper was a self-taught talented bass guitar player and enjoyed creating art with his family and shooting hoops with his Dad.  He collected vinyl records, vintage treasures, and you could find him visiting his favorite place, Headstone Friends, on a regular basis.  When he discovered “My Name is Earl” he became inspired by the show to do something good every day.  He was able to fulfill his dream of meeting the cast last year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He and his family attended many concerts together including The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Stevie Nicks, Alice Cooper, and many more. Music was his passion and escape.  Cooper was a 2023 graduate of South Vermillion High School.  He had started working at the funeral home alongside his mother and in his hometown funeral home as well.  His sympathetic personality and willingness to help others showed in his work. 

He is survived by his parents Jeff McMullen (Starla) and mother Amy McMullen, brother Spencer McMullen, paternal grandmother Barbara “Awe” McMullen, maternal grandmother Kathy “Nana” Sprouls (Larry Hill), uncle Jack McMullen (Lisa), aunt Libby Reel (Jeff), several cousins, great aunts and great uncles, and best friends Liam Jackson, Blake Morris, and Brody Poole. Cooper was preceded in death by his grandfathers Robert “Bob” Sprouls, Jack McMullen Jr, great-grandparents Bill & Velma Shannon, Betty Sprouls, Jack & Frances McMullen and Albert and Gladys Roberts, as well as cousin Sydney Reel,  great-uncle Mark Sprouls, and his beloved dog Blaze aka Frank. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024, at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Private services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, honor Cooper’s memory by supporting Headstone Friends and purchasing your music locally.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com 

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