Melvin Herbert Cooper

Mr. Cooper was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 3, 1931. Later, his family moved to Miami, Florida. Mr. Cooper graduated from the University of Miami with degrees in Accounting and Journalism, and served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952, during the Korean War.

Following completion of his military service, Mr. Cooper moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where he was employed by Sun Oil Company. It was there that he met his wife, Dr. Lia Cooper, who practiced dentistry in Maracaibo. Mr. Cooper eventually entered the restaurant business in Maracaibo, and was the proprietor of the best steak house in South America, Mi Vaquita.

Mr. Cooper was a founding member and President of the North American Association in Maracaibo. During his more than 45 years in Maracaibo, He was responsible for planning fundraisers benefiting many charitable causes. Mr. Cooper also supervised the construction of several parks in the city. One of his greatest pleasures was serving as the Scoutmaster for a Boy Scouts of America troupe Maracaibo.

Mr. Cooper was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Ruth Cooper and his brother, Robert Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dr. Lia Cooper, son, Richard Cooper, daughter, Deborah Cooper-Newland, daughter-in-law, Sara Cooper, son-in-law, Robert Newland, and grandchildren, Daniel Cooper, Ariana Cooper, Charlie Cooper, Nicholas Newland, Stephanie Newland, and Samantha Newland.

A memorial service celebrating Mr. Cooper's life will be conducted at Levy Funeral Directors, 4525 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas, on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. There will be a reception at the funeral home immediately following the service. For more information contact the funeral home at www.levyfuneraldirectors.com.