Earl Cooper, the second oldest of four sons to Edward Lee Cooper and Dorothy Willard Cooper, was born in Sugar Creek, MO on September 23, 1936 and passed on March 14, 2021 in Lee’s Summit, MO. He was 84.
Growing up with his three brothers, Earl spent his youth playing sports and graduated from Northeast High School where he excelled both in the classroom and in athletics. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Missouri Valley College and subsequently enlisted in the US Marine Corp where he proudly served his country. Following his service, he enrolled at Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, AR, earning his degree in education.
At Ouachita, Earl met, and in 1959, married Betty Jane Stroh Cooper and together had three children: Julia Anne Cooper Lauer, Stephen Earl Cooper, and Emily Kathryn Cooper Wanbaugh. He spent his career as an educator and coach in Burlington, IA and Sedalia, MO, eventually retiring from the Kansas City Missouri public school district.
In 1998, Earl married Theresa (Terri) McClary Cooper and enjoyed their retirement years traveling and at home in Independence, MO. Terri passed in 2016. As a member of Country Meadows Baptist, Earl was active both in his church and on the mission field.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Everett Cooper; and his wives, Betty Jane and Terri. Earl is survived by his brothers, Edward Cooper of Lake Ozarks, MO and Eugene Cooper (Patty) of Independence, MO; his children and step-children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 19th at 10:00am at Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel in Independence, MO. Funeral services will follow with internment at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens, also in Independence. Earl’s family suggests tribute donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org).
