Horace George Cooper

Born December 9, 1929 in Heolaethog, Glamorgan in South Wales, Great Britain to Leslie Edgar and Cecilia (Cook) Cooper, he married Lulabelle Joann Ranney on June 6, 1954 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Sherri (Michael) Wells of Ankeny, Iowa; two sons, Terry Cooper and Gary (Lindy) Cooper, both of Creve Coeur; five grandchildren, Jessica Herbst, Aaron Cooper, Jillian Urich, Matthew Wells and Logan Wells; two step-grandchildren, Kenneth Williamson and Amanda Endris; one great-grandchild, Bentley Urich; and one sister, Dillys Brown of South Wales, Great Britain.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Eric Michael Cooper; one great-grandson, Chance Habbinga; one sister; and three brothers.

Horace started working in the coal mine at the age of 14. In 1947, he joined the British Army of Royal Engineers. In May of 1952 he was hired on at Caterpillar, Inc. and continued working there until his retirement in June 1985. In 1977, he became a citizen of the United States. In 1988, he began working at Union Sanyo America, later named USA Technologies, retiring in 2008. He also had farmed 26 acres in the Creve Coeur area for many years.

A hard working man, he was proud to have built 9 houses in the Creve Coeur area, including the home that he and his wife raised their family in. He always took care of his family and anyone else who needed help.

Cremation rites will be accorded. The family will host a celebration of life at a later date. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home at 8630 IL-91 Peoria, IL 61615.