Gary "Jerry Lee" Cooper

Gary “Jerry Lee” Cooper, age 85, of Cairo, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022.  He was born to the union of Newton and Pearl (Stogsdill) Cooper in Versailles, Mo, January 21, 1937.

He married Ann McLone, May 5, 1979, at Graham Chapel, School of Ozarks, Branson, Mo., and she survives of the home.  Also surviving are his children Abigail Martin and her husband Matt of Westchester, Il, Megan Cooper and her partner Dan Nicholson of Cairo, Mo, Gary Cooper Jr and his wife Julie of Ogden, Il,  grandchildren Jameson, Declan, Finley, Samnel, Rose, Erica, Keith, brother in law Dave Watt, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, son Scott Cooper, sister Helen Watt, brother Vic Cooper, sister in law Doris Cooper.

Gary grew up around the Lake of the Ozarks, Versailles, and Rocky Mount area; after he and Ann married they moved to Republic, Branson, Chicago and Holiday Acres Lake.  He was active over the years in Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Veteran groups, Branson City Councilman, Election Judge in Chicago, proud Air Force pilot and radar observer.  He was a scratch golfer, bowler, fisherman, artist, loved boats and lakes, gardener, builder, cardinal fan, short lived Bears fan, KC Chiefs fan.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family in the Cater Funeral Home.  Military honors, committal prayer and inurnment were held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville Mo.