Obituary of John E. Cooper

Warrensburg: John E. Cooper, 86, of Elm Street, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family at his home, Wednesday, March 24, 2010 after a long illness. Born on August 21, 1923 in Chestertown, he was the son of the late Frank and Katherine Cooper. After graduating from Chestertown High School in 1942, he entered the US Army on January 10, 1943 and was sent to England, where he served under the command of General Eisenhower. John never had the opportunity to meet Ike, but he did stumble upon General Omar Bradley while in England. He married his wife of 64 years, Doreen Flatman Cooper on December 20, 1945 in England. The couple originally moved to Chestertown, then relocated to Warrensburg a year later. John caddied as a kid at Green Mansions, later drove a tractor trailer for McPhillips and Frulla, and went on to became a bus driver for Warrensburg Central School for 22 years. He also had a rural mail run between Thurman and Warrensburg. Following his retirement, he remained active in the community as a crossing guard at the Warrensburg Elementary School. He was a 48 years member and past Commander of the Warrensburg Post #446 American Legion, as well as enjoying an active involvement with the Warrensburg Post #4821 VFW. He was also a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council 11428 St. Isaac Joques of Lake George. For the past 40 years John enjoyed celebrating Memorial Day with his fellow vets, flying the flag at the bandstand and cemetery during the annual parade. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by 4 brothers, 2 sisters; a daughter, Pamela; and a son, Michael. Along with his wife, Doreen of Warrensburg, he is survived by a son; David Cooper, and his wife, Debbie of Chaparral, NM; daughters; Jayne Cupp, and her husband, Paul of Warrensburg, and Stephanie Brown, and her husband, Joseph also of Warrensburg; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Tennyson of Chestertown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on John’s family 2-4 and 7-9 pm, Monday, March 29th at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Fraternal organizations, including members of the American Legion and K of C will conduct services beginning at 7 PM, Monday during the visitation at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, March 30th at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, Main St., Warrensburg with Father Paul Cox, officiating. Rite of Committal with full military honors will be conducted at 12 pm, Tuesday at the Gerald B. H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy take the form of donations in John’s name to the Warrensburg American Legion Post #446 or Knights of Columbus Council 11428, of Lake George. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.