March 16, 2012
Art Cooper

CNHI

MT. VERNON — — Art Cooper, 85, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 7:20 a.m Thursday, March 15, 2012, at White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Cooper was born Dec. 12, 1926, in Jefferson County, the son of Joe and May Bell (Mather) Cooper. He married Loveta Lemons on Aug. 1, 1944, in St. Charles, Mo., and she preceded him in death on Feb. 2, 1998.

Mr. Cooper owned and operated Cooper's Welding for 26 years until failing health. He enjoyed antique tractors, playing cards and spending time with his family.

Mr. Cooper is survived by: three sons, Gerald (Linda) Cooper of Lakeland, Fla., Larry (Brenda) Cooper of Mt. Vernon and Steve Cooper and special friend Nancy Null of Buckley; two daughters, Susie (Rodney) Gowler of Mt. Vernon and Pamela (John) Smith of Rockford; a daughter-in-law, Charlotte Cooper of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren, Anthony (Chrissy) Cooper of Ina, Gary (Katrina) Cooper of Middleburg, Fla., Jeff (Debbie) Cooper of Centralia; Chris (Misty) Cooper of Kentucky, Jonathon Cooper of Mt. Vernon, Robert Cooper and Laura Bernard of Mt. Vernon, Dwayne (Melissa) Cooper of Loda, Bryan Cooper of Decatur, Jill (David) Bowers of McLeansboro and Tyler (Brittney) Flanagan of Lacey, Wash.; 29 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tom (Helen) Cooper of Mt. Vernon and Lonnie (Doris) Cooper of Mt. Vernon; one sister, Geneva Helmuth of Mt. Vernon; brothers-in law, Joe Burk of Mt. Vernon, John (Marge) Lemons of Mt. Vernon, Harold (Barbara) Lemons of Ina, Cecil Brown of Fairbury and Albert "Bud" Mangrum of Phoenix, Ariz.; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Lemons of Mt. Vernon. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Cooper was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Clyde and Earl; six brothers; seven sisters; and by one grandson, Danny Flanagan Jr.

Services for Mr. Cooper will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2012, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. Bob Southerd and the Rev. Merle Fullerton officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Visitation for Mr. Cooper will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests cards be sent.