Orby "Chris" Cooper

Chris passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 22nd 2011 after a lengthy illness. He was born August 8, 1950 in Loup City, Nebraska to Orby and Evalyn Cooper. He was the oldest of 7 children. His family later moved to Wyoming. Chris graduated from Upton High School in 1968 and attended Automotive Body Repair School in Cheyenne, WY. Chris married Teri in 1973. They had 3 children Christopher, Daniel, and Kelly. Chris entered the Army, completed 2 tours in Germany and several bases stateside. He married Loretta Stockstad in 1990 in Gillette, WY. He became dad to Loretta's children, Heather, Tony and Sarah. Chris also attended college in Laramie and earned a Master's Degree in Diesel Mechanics. In 1993, Chris and Loretta moved to Austin Texas with their kids.

He enjoyed reading Zane Grey novels and his computer for games and keeping up with family and friends. Chris retired in 2005 from Capital Metro, Austin Texas where he drove bus like his dad.

Chris's dad, Orby Cooper, and grandparents preceded him in death.

Chris is survived by his wife, Loretta; children, Christopher (WA), Daniel (WA), Kelly (Steven) Shoemaker (WA), Heather (Frank) Deforest (Casper, WY), Tony (Austin, TX) and Sarah (Austin, TX). His mother, Evalyn Cooper, Gillette WY; brothers, David (Barbara) Chandler, AZ, Donald (Joann), Lindale, TX, Robert (Gillette, WY); sisters, Beth (Larry) McGahey (Lindale, TX) Toni (Scott) Barrell (Fleetwood, PA) Tina (Gillette, WY); 19 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel.

He will be laid to rest next to his dad in Upton, Wyoming at a later date.