John R. Cooper

John Robert Cooper, son of Hugh and Edna Claybaugh Cooper, was born August 17, 1937 in Fairbury, Nebraska. He departed this life Sunday, September 18, 2016 in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri, at the age of seventy-nine years, one month, and one day. On August 17, 1965, John was united in marriage to Shirley Shipley, and to this union one daughter was born. His parents; and one sister, Ruth Horton, preceded him in death. John is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; his daughter, Jill Sadler and husband Richard, of St. Joseph, Missouri; two grandchildren, Christopher and Carson; a brother, Pat Cooper and wife Diane, of Hudson, Ohio; a sister, Lois Welsh and husband Buck, of Fairbury, Nebraska; his nieces and nephew, Tara, Caitlin, Lana, Stephanie, and Trent; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends. John was born in Fairbury and was a graduate of Fairbury High School in the Class of 1956. He received his bachelor’s degree from Peru State College and master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. John dedicated his life to education and served in many capacities throughout his career as an educator and retired as a Counselor and Director of Education after thirty-six years of service. He had accepted Christ as his Savior and was of the Lutheran faith. John was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed time spent hunting, fishing, camping, mushroom hunting, and boating on the Lake of the Ozarks. He was a passionate Nebraska Cornhusker’s fan, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on Big Red. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2016 in Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, Fairbury, Nebraska. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday evening in Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Fairbury Cemetery.