He is survived by his wife of 41 years and high school sweetheart, Marsha Cooper; two sons, Christopher Cooper U.S.M.C Ret. and wife Carla of Havelock, NC and Jason Cooper of Hammond, IN; three grandchildren, Nicole (Jimmy) Vanlandingham of Oahu, Hawaii, Quentin and Madison Cooper of Havelock, NC; two great grandchildren, JJ and Lilliana Rose Vanlandingham of Oahu, Hawaii; three brothers, Norman (Kitty) Cooper of Pelzer, S.C., Richard (Linda) Cooper of Merrillville, IN, Jack Cooper of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Alice (Tim) Mick of Crown Point, IN.; devoted Uncle and friend, Ray Plopper of Griffith, IN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all over the country and his dog Lily. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl (Jan. 2007) and Geraldine (Mar. 2006) Cooper and brother David Cooper (May 1987).
Gary grew up in northwest Indiana and worked mostly in Industrial and Automotive Sales until he became disabled in 1988. Along with his family, he was a charter member of Lake Hills Baptist Church in Schererville, IN, a charter member of New Hope Baptist Church in Des Moines, IA, and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Highland, IN from 1984 to 2012 until they retired and settled in New Bern and became members of Pleasant Acres FWB Church in New Bern on Dec. 23, 2012. Through the years Gary served on the Deacon Board, was a Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teacher for all age groups, and a Vacation Bible School and Awana leader. Gary worked as a sound technician and assisted his wife with the children’s hand bell choir for many years. Gary enjoyed talking and witnessing to people about his wonderful Lord and Savior. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, going to his children’s and grand children’s school and sporting events, working on cars, and loved reading the history of Abraham Lincoln. He was a wonderful Christian husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his family very much and will be missed by all.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday July 24, 2013 at Pleasant Acres FWB Church, 2911 Old Cherry Point Road, New Bern, NC with Rev. Scott Coghill officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park, New Bern, NC.
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