Joseph David Cooper Jr.

He was at home with his beloved wife at his side.

Joe was born in Hampton, Virginia, to Joseph and Estelle Cooper in 1931. At age 16, Joe (David) joined the merchant marines and spent the summer in Europe before returning to Hampton, to finish high school. He attended Virginia Technical Institute as class of 1953 before joining the Navy in that year.

Upon discharge in 1957 he relocated to Anaheim, California, with his former wife and they raised four children. Joe moved to Bellflower, California, in 1989, where he married Judy in 1991.

He worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft before a 36 year career with Chalco Engineering in Gardena, as an electronic engineer. Joe transferred to Lavi Systems in Van Nuys, until he retired at age 76. At Lavi Systems he built parts for most military aircraft flying today but his real love was the old airplanes. He was Vice President and production manager, as well as serving on their board of directors. Joe was well liked and respected by his colleagues and employees alike.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 23 years, children Dennis Cooper, Cheryl Cooper, David Cooper, Debra Morrow and Jody Negro. Sister Jean Hall (Berry), step-children, Randy Hill (Marie) and Cindy Turpin (Robert). Eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved and respected him.