Frank Aloysius Cooper

Frank Aloysius Cooper, or as his loved ones knew him, Ike or Ikeman, was born on September 19, 1930, in Fairmont Heights, Md. He was the second eldest, born to the late Lucille Cooper and Frank Cooper Sr. Frank attended D.C. Public Schools, where he graduated from Phelps Vocational School and earned a license to mend shoes as a Shoe Cobbler.

On February 19, 1948, Frank joined the U.S. Army, where he served until February 18, 1952, when he was Honorably Discharged. During his service, he received several medals, including a Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and 3 Bronze Stars. In addition to his military achievements, Frank received 8 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze medals from the Golden Olympics. In 1991, Frank retired as a Pest Control Foreman after 43 years of recognized service as a Pest Controller with D.C. General Hospital.

All those who knew Ikeman knew how much he loved his Cowboys. Not only did he follow sports, but he also loved the outdoors and stayed very active. You could regularly find him playing sports such as tennis and basketball. He enjoyed bicycling, swimming, walking, and jogging. Frank loved music; he especially adored Jazz and Classical music. Some of his favorite artists were Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. Frank was passionate about volunteer work and regularly donated to local charities, his favorite being St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.

Frank was a man after God's, or in his words, "The Big Man in the Sky’s," own heart. He was raised under the Catholic Faith, regularly reading his bible and praying daily. He made it a mission to share the word of God with his family and friends, ensuring that everyone received their devotional book every month. He enjoyed his family and the time spent making memories with them.

On February 10, 1949, when he was 18 years old, Frank married the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart, and helpmeet Verlena Cooper, and they spent 73 years together in marriage. They shared years traveling, dancing, and experiencing a lifetime together. While we know her as Verlena to Frank, she was his “Smokey.”

Frank leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife Verlena Cooper, son Cornell Cooper, and daughter Charmaine Britt (Ronald). Four grandchildren; Martin Cooper (Leslie), Shonda Bonner (Troy), Jermaine Cooper (Shyneisa), and Cortnie Britt (Lionel). Six great-grandchildren; Troy Bonner Jr. (Dorothy), Trumaine Cooper, Dameon Bonner, Myles Cooper, Payton Cooper, and Gavin Cooper. Three great-great-grandchildren; Caroline Bonner, Demi Cooper, and Cameron Bonner. He is survived by his sister Frances Bell and brother Vaughn Cooper (Gayle). He is preceded by his siblings Sarah Williams, James Cooper, and Sylvia Cooper. Additionally, his special life-long friend turned brother-in-law Lionel Wiggins, daughters in love Thee Craver and Carolyn Garrison, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.