Bob Cooper

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Robert Gene (Bob) Cooper, 95 died Friday 17, at home in Joplin.
He was born November 7, 1927, in Commerce, Ok. to Charles and Chlora (McGee) Cooper. 

His younger years were spent in Tulsa, Ok., and in that area before moving to Missouri. His father worked above ground in the mining industry requiring the family to move often. As a result, he attended many different schools.

He was drafted into the US Army his senior year of high school but was included when the class graduated. While in the service he served in the Philippines and Japan. Upon returning to Joplin, he graduated from Joplin Junior College, and began a 46-year career with the Joplin Globe newspaper. He began at the Globe as a general reporter, became the Farm Editor and retired after 22 years as the Editorial Editor.

He and his wife Margaret celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last March, having been married March 15, 1952 in Bentonville, AR. He was a former Elder and Clerk of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. Robert was also a charter member of the Exchange Club of Joplin and served as president in 1963. He was a longtime member of Briarbrook Golf and Country Club. He enjoyed reading, golf, hunting quail, and loved and delighted in family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and sons Paul and wife Carol Cooper of Webb City, Mo., Mark and wife Betty Cooper of Joplin, Mo., and John and wife Shari Cooper of Ballwin, Mo.; grandsons Zachary and wife Allison Cooper of Glendale, Mo., and Stephen and wife Alyssa Cooper of London, Ok.; granddaughters Ralynn Cooper of Joplin, Mo., and Alisha and husband Andrew Fullenkamp of Columbus, Oh.; great-grandchildren Mason and Hannah Cooper of Glendale, Mo., and twins Emmeline Marie and Lucy Rose Coopers of London, UK, a nephew Glover Scott and wife Victoria Jarmin of Brighton, Co., and two nieces, Marti Jarmin and husband Ronald Miller of Carl Junction, Mo., and Geri Anna and husband Shannon Sellers of Arvada, Co.

The family appreciates the loving care given to Robert by Lydia Simon and Intrepid Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church located at 509 S. Pearl Ave., with Reverend John Anderson officiating. Burial will include military honors and be for family only at Mount Hope Cemetery, Webb City, Mo. Visitation will be Tuesday 6-7:00 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary.