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Donald P. Cooper, 95, of Russells Point, peacefully departed this earth Thursday, April 14, 2016, at his son’s home in Mount Dora, Fla.
Don was born on March 25,1921, to the late Roy Henry Cooper and Blanche Knull Cooper of Urbana. He also was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, and sisters, Kay Kibler and Betty Johnson.
On July 14, 1941, he married the former Margie Smith of Springfield. They made their home together at Indian Lake for more than 50 years, until her death March 26, 1997. He is survived by two sons, Donald “Skip” (Joy) Cooper of Gahanna and Rick (Linda) Cooper of Mount Dora, Fla.; grandsons, Cory Cooper of Salem, N.H., and Christopher (Melody) Cooper of Lebanon, Tenn.; granddaughters, Mandy Cotterman of DeGraff and Brandy (Bill) Foster of Beavercreek; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his special friend and companion in recent years, Patricia Sigworth.
Don was a proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was in combat in the Battle of The Bulge and saw action in France, Luxembourg, Austria and Germany. He earned the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, multiple Battle Stars, and several other military honors.
He was a retired 60-plus-year member of the Bricklayers Union of Dayton. He was a member of the Indian Lake Community Church, where he had served as deacon and trustee, was a member of the Men’s Club, and worked in the rummage sales and Our Daily Bread.
Don was the last surviving charter member of Indian Lake Masonic Lodge 722 in Lakeview. In his more-than-70 years with the lodge, he was a Past Master and served in various positions, including president and treasurer of the Temple Association. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, and the Lafayette Chapter RAM and Logan Council 85 of Bellefontaine. In addition, he held memberships in the VFW post in Roundhead, AMVETS Post 39 of Lakeview, and the Eagles Club.
Don was a well-known musician around the lake and throughout Logan County from the 1960s to the 1980s, playing drums in many venues including The New Bulkhead, The Anchor Inn, Cranberry Resort, Dell’s Nite Club, The Commodore Club, the Elks Club, and VFW and American Legion clubs.
He was a member of the Guild of Mary Rutan Hospital, where he volunteered many hours. He was a past member of the Senior Golf League of Cherokee Hills and had served as president, vice-president and secretary of the league.
Don lived a long, happy, and productive life. He deeply loved his family, who cherished him in return.
Per his wishes, his body was cremated. His remains will be interred in Huntsville Cemetery beside his beloved wife, Margie. A memorial service for the family is at a later date.