William M. "Bill" Coop passed away peacefully at Avalon Care Home on June 10, 2010, at the age of 78.

Bill was born on April 15, 1932, in Downs, Kansas. He grew up in both Kansas and South Dakota. He graduated from Lake Andes High School in the small town of Lake Andes, S.D. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy for six years, during which time he married Carol Elaine Boyle, in 1952. He served an additional 14 years in the United States Air Force, in which he served a one-year tour in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force in 1972.

After retiring from the Air Force, he completed a four-year apprenticeship as a machinist at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He then worked as an automotive technician for 15 years with the California Highway Patrol, serving the offices of Vallejo, Santa Rosa and Oceanside. He retired from the CHP in 1992.

Before and after retiring from the Air Force, Bill resided in Solano County, Sonoma County, San Diego County and Napa County.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 3. He was a dedicated member of Saint Stephens Anglican Church in Oakville.

Much of his life was spent traveling and helping others. Nearly every morning was spent eating breakfast with the residents of Yountville Veterans Home. He donated time and money to various charities and people who were in need. He had an avid interest in genealogy and researched nearly his whole family tree, which took much dedication and more than 15 years. He also enjoyed California Lottery Scratcher tickets, in which he had amazing luck. He also had the "gift of gab" and could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone at anytime that may last for some time.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Carol Elaine Coop; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sheila, of Crescent City; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Yolanda, of Fairfield; grandson Eric and wife Doris, of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandson, Noah, of Fairfield; granddaughter, Jessica, of San Francisco; grandson Nick and wife Kathy, of Fresno; grandson Josh and fiancée Ana, of Crescent City; great-grandchildren, Valerie, Misty, Allison, Elliot and Aaliya. His family extends to sister-in-law, Jan Hill of Hastings, Neb., and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

A memorial service with military honors will be held June 21, at 10:30 a.m., at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.

Donations in Bill's memory may be made to Yolo Hospice, 1909 Galileo Court, Suite A, Davis, CA 95618.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.

Posted in Obituaries on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 12:00 am Updated: 9:01 pm.