Carl Wirtz Cooper

Carl Wirtz Cooper, 89, of 311 Oakdale Street in Martinsville, died, Sunday, April 4, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. He was born in Patrick County on October 20, 1920, to Peter Benjamin Cooper and Maude E. Cummings Cooper. He worked in the shipyard in Newport News and later served in the army in the European Theater during WWII, where he received a Bronze Star. He was employed by the post office in Martinsville where he was a clerk. Carl also served as a volunteer fireman for Martinsville City, where he held the offices of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. He also retired from the National Guard as Mess Sergeant with 21 years of service. After his retirement from the post office, he worked for Martinsville City as a building inspector.

He was a long-standing member of the Elks Club and TPA and had held offices in both. He was a member of the Virginia Defense and long-time member of the VFW. He was a member of the Senior Choir at Chatham Heights Baptist Church and attended the Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study and was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Patrick County. He was well-known for his cooking skills and volunteering for several organizations.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Johnie P. Cooper, Lonnie W. Cooper and Jamie E. Cooper; four sisters, Glenna Cooper Bell, Ethel, Nannie and Mary Cooper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Gladys G. Cooper of the residence; his daughter and son-in-law, Deirdre and Ricky Stone of Collinsville and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Homes, Martinsville Chapel with the Rev. Sarah Doss officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with full military honors.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Homes, Martinsville Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 159 Salem Church Road, Patrick Springs, VA 24133 or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Services, Martinsville, VA.