Lucas Randall Cooper

Lucas Randall Cooper, Born April 24, 2017, at Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky passed away on May 7, 2026 at Centerpoint Health in Paris, KY.
Lucas was preceded in death by a maternal grandmother, Susan Clinger, paternal great uncle Rick Cooper, and paternal great aunt Mary Ann Cooper.
Luke is survived by his parents, Catherine Clinger and Douglas Cooper, a brother, Benjamin Cooper, his maternal grandfather, Delmer Clinger, and uncle Christopher Clinger, his paternal grandparents, Mike and Lucy Cooper, his uncle and aunt John and Lindsey Cooper, cousins Mac (5) and Emma (2), as well as a host of extended family, caregivers, nurses, teachers, friends, and therapists.
Luke was the epitome of a curmudgeonly old man, with a perpetual side part of his hair (like a comb-over), and a scowl whenever his cartoons (Little Einsteins) were interrupted.
Luke liked Little Einsteins, Finding Nemo and Dory, Moana 1 & 2, animated Little Mermaid, and Lilo & Stitch.
He enjoyed watching people at school, at school events, and at any outing where he was not the focus.
He couldn’t talk, but his face and eyes were very expressive. He had an attitude, making it abundantly clear he didn’t tolerate our meddling, and we loved him for it.
He hated his P.T. and O.T. sessions and would “conveniently” have diaper accidents in his futile attempt to escape the demands of his therapists, to the point that it became a running gag or bit.
Luke couldn’t physically talk or do much, due to his disabilities. But he still lived a life full of love and friendship. He was a blessing to know and be with.
His trach, his g-tube, and his chromosome disorder did not define him. A life lived differently is not a life less lived.
Luke was a beautiful, expressive boy. He warmed the hearts of everyone he met. He enjoyed watching his friends, teachers, and caregivers. He (begrudgingly) gave his all to his physical and occupational therapies. And endured multiple doctor and specialist appointments with grace and a scowl. Luke expresses himself in so many ways, without words. His smiles were like unicorns: rare, beautiful, magical, and bright. When he wasn’t watching Little Einsteins or Finding Nemo, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends at school.
Despite initial doctors’ attempts to lessen him to his diagnosis labeled as “failure to thrive,” Luke did thrive. They said he wouldn’t make it past 2. With second opinions, vigilance, and love, we got 9 long, amazing years to watch Luke grow and develop. And if Luke happened to give a sh*t-eating grin while covering his dad’s arm in liquid poo, then he thrived at being a curmudgeon until the end.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday May 13, 2026, by Deacon Paula Ott at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. Burial to follow in the Paris Cemetery, Paris, KY.
Pallbearers are Mike Cooper, Doug Cooper, John Boarman, Caleb Fryman, George Wilds, and Timothy Wilds. Honorary pallbearer will be Ben Cooper.
Visitation will be from 12-2 PM Wednesday May 13, 2026 at the funeral home.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main Street, Paris, KY.