Gene was born in New Orleans on October 14, 1937, to Harvey Cooper, Sr. and Myrtle Forsythe Cooper. He graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in 1955, and graduated from LSUNO with a degree in accounting. Gene worked as a data processor at Pan American Life Insurance, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), and ISA. He worked in sales at Data General and Four Phase Systems, and was the controller at Gibson Enterprises/Clover Contractors. He also was an owner and consultant at Future Sell and FS Link. After his retirement, Gene enjoyed volunteering in many capacities at St. Tammany Parish Hospital.
Gene was a proud veteran, serving in the United States Air Force. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Covington, and was also a member of Knights of Columbus St. Peter Council 12906.
Gene is survived by his wife, Karen Nicholson Cooper; his brother, Harvey (Rose) Cooper, Jr.; his children: Paula (David) Ruiz, Pam (Donald) Owens, Gene (Diane) Cooper, Jr., Tommy (Sondra Crochet) Cooper, Malinda (Todd) Meyer, Kelly (Boady) Stewart, and Patti (Jason) McKenzie. Gene was blessed with fifteen grandchildren: Jackie (Jamie) Pelfrey, Jed (Danielle) Turner, Dane Cooper, Eric (Adam Garner) Schroeder, Miles Cooper, Ryan Schroeder, Andre (Stephen) St. Pierre, Brandon Franco, Devin (Aeriel) Schroeder, Adison Cooper, Max Meyer, Adele Cooper, Adalyn Cooper, Carter McKenzie, and Catie McKenzie. Gene also had eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces, including a special nephew, Brent Cooper, and a special niece, Renee Hebert.
Gene was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Gertrude Cooper; his sisters, Evelyn DeArmond DeLoriea and Sharon Latil Hebert; his son, Mike Cooper; his grandson, Alex Hubbell; his former spouses and mothers of his children, Andree’ St. Martin Cooper and Marlene Campo Cooper.
Gene cherished his wife, his family, his God, and his beloved LSU Tigers. He was a true and genuine friend to all who knew him. He was always there to lend a helping hand, never expecting anything in return. His presence will truly be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation, which will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 11:00am – 1:00pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, located at 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, LA. A celebration of Gene’s life will immediately follow at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gene’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014, or at www.michaeljfox.org/donate.
The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
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