In Memory Of
John M. Cooper
1943
2016
John M. Cooper
January 29, 1943 — January 16, 2016
John M. "Bud" Cooper, age 72, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Hospice House of Olathe Medical Center.
John was born on July 29, 1943 in Joplin, Missouri to John F. and Elsie Mae (Creager) Cooper. He attended Fontana, Kansas schools and graduated from Fontana High School in 1961 with honors. On October 25, 1961, John married the love of his life, Carol A. McGonagle of Paola, Kansas. Their marriage produced three sons and spanned close to 55 years.
John enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and served his country for over 22 years, retiring in 1984. He obtained the rank of E7 (Sergeant 1st Class). His primary duty was that of a Senior Aircraft Maintenance Sergeant. He was stationed in many places in the US and overseas. His duty assignments included Kansas, Missouri, Texas, North Carolina, Germany, South Korea, and Vietnam. John received numerous medals and commendations throughout his military career, with the highest being that of the Bronze Star for his actions during the Vietnam War.
After his retirement from the US Army, John spent the next 20 years in law enforcement. He worked for the Osawatomie, Kansas Police Department and also the Linn County, Kansas Sheriff's Department. After his second retirement, John and his wife Carol decided to spend their golden years as 'Snowbirds". They purchased a camper (actually more than one) and traveled around the country, visiting friends and family. His favorite destination was Texas. San Antonio was the place he would tend to spend the most time at during the winter months.
John also had many interests and hobbies. These included camping, home restoration projects, listening to classic country music, watching his favorite sports teams, the Chiefs & Royals, and spending time with his family. In his younger years he was an excellent golfer. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, John worked at the post golf course and toured to other bases to participate in numerous golf tournaments. He would always let us know that if he had started playing golf in his teens, instead of his 20's, he would have made the pro circuit. We never doubted him due to his 2 handicap.
John is survived by his children, Jeffrey C. Cooper of Lenexa, Kansas, John F. Cooper of Overland Park, Kansas, and Marcus D. Cooper and wife Roberta of Olathe, Kansas. Brothers and Sisters, Wayne Cooper and wife Jan of Langdon, North Dakota; Joyce Scovill of Osawatomie, Kansas, Michael Cooper and wife Janet of Crawford, Texas; Virginia (Tootie) Russell of Osawatomie, Kansas; Kathy Lehman and husband Clifton of Lubbock, Texas; Nine Grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Cooper, his parents, John and Elsie Cooper, and his brother, Donald Cooper.
John was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. We will all miss his smile, sense of humor, and his kindness. We all have comfort knowing that he is in Heaven and in the arms of his beloved wife Carol.
He will be cremated and buried with his wife Carol. A celebration of their lives will take place at a later date.
Please click on the "Share Memories" button above to leave a message for the family.
John was born on July 29, 1943 in Joplin, Missouri to John F. and Elsie Mae (Creager) Cooper. He attended Fontana, Kansas schools and graduated from Fontana High School in 1961 with honors. On October 25, 1961, John married the love of his life, Carol A. McGonagle of Paola, Kansas. Their marriage produced three sons and spanned close to 55 years.
John enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and served his country for over 22 years, retiring in 1984. He obtained the rank of E7 (Sergeant 1st Class). His primary duty was that of a Senior Aircraft Maintenance Sergeant. He was stationed in many places in the US and overseas. His duty assignments included Kansas, Missouri, Texas, North Carolina, Germany, South Korea, and Vietnam. John received numerous medals and commendations throughout his military career, with the highest being that of the Bronze Star for his actions during the Vietnam War.
After his retirement from the US Army, John spent the next 20 years in law enforcement. He worked for the Osawatomie, Kansas Police Department and also the Linn County, Kansas Sheriff's Department. After his second retirement, John and his wife Carol decided to spend their golden years as 'Snowbirds". They purchased a camper (actually more than one) and traveled around the country, visiting friends and family. His favorite destination was Texas. San Antonio was the place he would tend to spend the most time at during the winter months.
John also had many interests and hobbies. These included camping, home restoration projects, listening to classic country music, watching his favorite sports teams, the Chiefs & Royals, and spending time with his family. In his younger years he was an excellent golfer. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, John worked at the post golf course and toured to other bases to participate in numerous golf tournaments. He would always let us know that if he had started playing golf in his teens, instead of his 20's, he would have made the pro circuit. We never doubted him due to his 2 handicap.
John is survived by his children, Jeffrey C. Cooper of Lenexa, Kansas, John F. Cooper of Overland Park, Kansas, and Marcus D. Cooper and wife Roberta of Olathe, Kansas. Brothers and Sisters, Wayne Cooper and wife Jan of Langdon, North Dakota; Joyce Scovill of Osawatomie, Kansas, Michael Cooper and wife Janet of Crawford, Texas; Virginia (Tootie) Russell of Osawatomie, Kansas; Kathy Lehman and husband Clifton of Lubbock, Texas; Nine Grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Cooper, his parents, John and Elsie Cooper, and his brother, Donald Cooper.
John was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. We will all miss his smile, sense of humor, and his kindness. We all have comfort knowing that he is in Heaven and in the arms of his beloved wife Carol.
He will be cremated and buried with his wife Carol. A celebration of their lives will take place at a later date.
Please click on the "Share Memories" button above to leave a message for the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John M. Cooper, please visit our flower store.
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