Gary George Cooper

CREVE COEUR ~ Gary George Cooper, 66, of Creve Coeur, passed away at 12:10 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023 at his home after a brief battle with cancer. Born July 1, 1956 in Peoria to George and Lulabelle (Ranney) Cooper, he married Lindy Forrest on November 25, 1998. She survives. Also surviving are four children, Jessica Cooper and Kenny Williamson, both of Creve Coeur, Kacie Overturf of East Peoria and Amanda (Joe) Endris of Clarksville, Tennessee; three grandchildren; Izabella, Ethan and Autumn; one brother, Terry (Dorane Salsman) Cooper of Creve Coeur; one sister, Sherri ( Michael) Wells of Ankiny, Iowa; three best friends, Roger (Karen) Carter of Marquette Heights, Dennis (Tina) Johnson of Creve Coeur and Joe (Merry) Johnston of East Peoria and his two dogs, Shelby and Jingles. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Chance. Gary worked as a Greenskeeper for 24 years at Fon du lac Park District in East Peoria. He loved astronomy, golfing at Quail Meadows in East Peoria and traveling. He loved watching football and rooting for his favorite team the Green Bay Packers. He also loved working with his hands and enjoyed mowing his lawn. Gary will be greatly missed by friends and family. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. A celebration celebrating Gary’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, One East Whacker, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601. To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com