Walden A. Cooper, 80, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Walden was born January 24, 1936, to Farley Cooper and Eula Bohanon in a log cabin at the family farm near Marsena, Arkansas. The family moved to Conway, Arkansas, when he was four, and there he attended local schools. During his school years, Walden was active on a baseball team and with F.F.A., winning a blue ribbon at the Arkansas State Fair for showing a steer. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting but was especially fond of cars and tractors.

In January 1954, Walden joined the U. S. Air Force. Over the years, he was stationed at numerous Air Force bases stateside and in Morocco, Africa, during the Korean War. After his honorary discharge as a Staff Sergeant, he worked in construction and as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Upon arriving in Lompoc in 1961, he joined the Lompoc Fire Department and worked himself up the ranks to Captain. Walden, or "Coop," as he was affectionately known by his co-workers, greatly enjoyed his work, especially helping people in need. Sleeping on top of the fire engine for a couple of hours became a way of life when he was involved in fighting many large California fires. In 1962, as the City's licensed Pyrotechnic Specialist, he began shooting Fourth of July fireworks and at many other events. He continued his pyrotechnic work throughout Southern California after his retirement from LFD.

Always interested in furthering his education, Walden continued his studies and received his A.S. from Allan Hancock College. He was a member of the IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) and EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association).

Always having a passion for flying, he built and restored Piper L4, Pitts Special, and others over a span of many years. He participated in air shows at the Arizona and California Air Force bases upon invitation, the National EEA Fly-In in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the West Coast Club Fly-In. One of his joys was flying his family and friends to Harris Ranch for breakfast in his Cherokee 180 (four seater). Many "flying buddies" would gather in his hangar to discuss their pending aircraft projects. If not flying, you could see him dune buggying at Pismo Beach or riding his motorcycle.

After retiring from the Lompoc Fire Department, he developed 21 acres out in the country near Lompoc, which became a homestead for him and Yvonne. He completed the necessary grading of roads, house pad, and a bridge. He also installed fencing and stables to accommodate 16 horses. He especially enjoyed training his beloved "Milllie," a wild Mustang horse. She participated in Fiesta Days' Parades in Santa Barbara.

A very meaningful part of his life was his baptism by Nazarene pastor, Charles Broadhead, now of Kona, Hawaii. Nearly every Sunday for several years, he looked forward to visits from Pastor Charles's father, Dr. Charles Broadhead, which included Scripture reading and prayer time together.

Many words can be used to describe "Coop," but he will always be remembered as a loving husband and entirely loyal friend. Walden was a man of courage and strong convictions who could be fiercely honest and unflinchingly forthright. His delightful humor will be especially remembered by his "top 200 original one-liners." He had a generous spirit and took great joy in sharing the abundance of his garden and orchard. Visitors left with bags of tomatoes, grapes, and whatever was fresh in season.

Walden is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne Cooper, to whom he was married for 42 years; his stepson Kevin Burkhalter (Elba), step-granddaughter Tiffany of Thousand Oaks, California, and stepdaughter Kathleen Puga (Max) of Sanger, California. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and three brothers. He leaves behind a sister, Susan Miller of Little Rock, Arkansas, sister-in-law Dorothy Pack of Santa Margarita, California, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is especially remembered by his niece Karen Dowell (Jack) of Conway, Arkansas, niece Linda Mensick (Bob) of Mission Vallejo, California, and nephew Bob Pack (Terri) of Balboa Island, California.

Friends and family are warmly invited to come together to celebrate his life on Sunday, April 24, 2016, at 2 PM at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 500 E. North Ave., Lompoc. A reception will follow at the Trinity Church Community Life Center.