Karen Lucille Gunlock Cooper, 78, Joplin, entered into rest on June 27, 2019 at Webb City Health and Rehab, following an extended illness.
Karen was born August 3, 1940 in the community of Redings Mill, Missouri. She was a lifelong area resident. She graduated from Seneca High School and earned her Master’s Degree in education from Pittsburg State University. She taught in the Seneca and McDonald County school systems and, while teaching at Seneca, was instrumental in developing the sports programs for female students. She enjoyed coaching school sports, volleyball, track, softball, and jet skiing and boating. She was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Neosho.
Karen and Ray E. Cooper were married on March 24, 1961 at Fairview Baptist Church in Joplin and he survives.
Additional survivors include a son, Jason Cooper and wife, Maureen; a granddaughter, Sidney Cooper; three siblings, Gary Gunlock, Donna Smith, and Peggy Brock.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Virginia Peavler and Barbara Sargent.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 10 am at the Osborne Cemetery in Joplin; Pastor Buddy Funk will officiate. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 7 pm at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. The casket will be closed at all times.
She was my 5th grade teacher in 1964 at Stella. I loved her, she was so full of love and life, she made school fun. I am sorry to hear that she passed.
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