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(From Ozark Funeral Home)Donald Ray Cooper, known affectionately as Don, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, Missouri, after months of declining health.
Born on September 21, 1931, in Southwest City, Missouri, Don's life was a testament to the enduring spirit of hard work, love, and dedication.
Raised in the town of his birth, Don attended local schools and grew up learning the value of a day's work. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, embodying the virtues of service and sacrifice. After his military tenure, Don returned to his roots and married his beloved Retha Mae Harp on December 18, 1954, at the Full Gospel Church in Anderson, Missouri. Their union was a beacon of love and partnership until her passing. Don later found love again and on April 9, 1987, he married Joan Wylie.
Don's work ethic was unparalleled. From a young age, he worked alongside his father at their family sawmill. He later owned a milk route, delivering to the Milnot plant in Seneca, Missouri, and spent the majority of his career behind the wheel as a truck driver. His employment journey included driving for Poultry Packer in Anderson, Roper Gas Company in Lanagan, Talbot Wire in Neosho, and McKee "Little Debbie" out of Gentry, Arkansas. Farming was also a significant part of his life; he took great pride in watching over and caring for his cattle.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Don was a man of many interests. He had a passion for gardening and meticulously maintained his lawn, often sharing how long it took to mow with a twinkle in his eye. His faith was important to him, and he was a devoted attendee of Grace Life Church in Anderson.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Benjamin and Ethyl Flossie (Roy) Cooper; his wives, Retha Mae (Harp) Cooper and E. Joan (Forbes) Wylie Cooper; his daughter, Ramae (Cooper) Teague; his siblings, Geraldine Boothe, Francis Sutton, and brothers Paul "Little Paul," Louis, Jack, Bill, David, and Kenny Cooper; his granddaughter, Amber Russell; his stepchildren, Michael Wylie and Sherre Wilson; and his step-grandsons, Zachary Nageotte and Zachary Wylie.
Don's work ethic was unparalleled. From a young age, he worked alongside his father at their family sawmill. He later owned a milk route, delivering to the Milnot plant in Seneca, Missouri, and spent the majority of his career behind the wheel as a truck driver. His employment journey included driving for Poultry Packer in Anderson, Roper Gas Company in Lanagan, Talbot Wire in Neosho, and McKee "Little Debbie" out of Gentry, Arkansas. Farming was also a significant part of his life; he took great pride in watching over and caring for his cattle.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Don was a man of many interests. He had a passion for gardening and meticulously maintained his lawn, often sharing how long it took to mow with a twinkle in his eye. His faith was important to him, and he was a devoted attendee of Grace Life Church in Anderson.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Benjamin and Ethyl Flossie (Roy) Cooper; his wives, Retha Mae (Harp) Cooper and E. Joan (Forbes) Wylie Cooper; his daughter, Ramae (Cooper) Teague; his siblings, Geraldine Boothe, Francis Sutton, and brothers Paul "Little Paul," Louis, Jack, Bill, David, and Kenny Cooper; his granddaughter, Amber Russell; his stepchildren, Michael Wylie and Sherre Wilson; and his step-grandsons, Zachary Nageotte and Zachary Wylie.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by his son, Jerry Cooper, and wife, Lee Ann, of Anderson, Missouri; a stepdaughter, Jo Nelle Nageotte, and husband, Lonny, of Rocky Comfort, Missouri; sisters Raylene Reece and her husband Donny, and Shirley Chastain as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory.
Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 16, 2024, in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes with Pastor Cecil Hall and Mike Buckley officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Shanon, Travis, Dusty, Chism, Reece Cooper and Zeb Nageotte with Tyler, Patrick and Byron Wylie serving as honorary. The family will receive friends on Friday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials are being directed to the Anderson Cemetery Association c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.
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