Gary C. Cooper went home to be with the Lord, October 12, 2024 at Mercy Jefferson Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
He was born December 16, 1937 to the late Layman and Gladys (Valle) Cooper. Gary graduated from McKinley High School and also Central Methodist University, then he joined his father as owner and operator of McLaughlin Funeral Home. Gary ran the business with his wife and long time high school sweetheart Kathryn (LaPinta) Cooper. Married for 64 years they had 2 sons, David (Teri) Cooper, and the late John Cooper.
Gary had many life long friends from Lafayette Park Baptist Church. He also enjoyed seeing his fellow alumnus at the McKinley Goldbug luncheons. Gary was a credit to the funeral industry and ran his business with compassion and integrity. He enjoyed working his family farm and brush hogging on his tractors. They hosted countless church picnics at Cooper’s Farm for many St. Louis area churches. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and was proud of his family, especially his wife’s delicious cooking.
Dear father in law of Teri Cooper and Lisa Cooper-GollIhue.
Loving grandfather of Alex (Lauren) Cooper, Kacie (Nick) Stanley, Courtney (JP) Mahn, Kelly (Alex) Langley and the late Ashley Cooper.
Dear great grandfather to Riley, Chase, Summer, Baylee, Dalton, Kora and Sadie.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Memorial Service pending.
Memorials appreciated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME
Fond memories of our time with Gary at McKinley High School.