Ricky Lynn Cooper

Ricky Lynn Cooper was born May 30, 1958 in Harlan, Iowa and passed from this life on December 21, 2010 in Jasper, Arkansas. He was the first born son of Phillip E. Cooper, Sr. and Janet M. (Gilliland) Cooper. His early years were spent living with his family in Persia, Iowa where he attended Tri-Center Grade School in Persia through the 3rd grade. He was a Cub Scout and went to Sunday School at the Methodist Church. In 1967 the family moved to Harlan, Iowa where he continued his schooling at Harlan Community Schools and worked mowing lawns, washing windows, scooping snow and raking leaves. He was an entrepreneur who was not afraid to work. He was a Boy Scout and attended the Methodist Church. His quick wit and personality were enjoyed by everyone who knew him. Rick never met a stranger. He was a master meat cutter and proud of his profession having worked for many stores including IGA, Super Wal-Mart, HyVee, and Harvey Brothers. He had a special relationship with his customers and would go out of his way to please them. In his free time he enjoyed trips with his family, camping, canoeing, hunting, fishing and riding his Harley. One of his favorite things was to grill up a big juicy ribeye. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie Cooper of Jasper, Arkansas; his children, Heidi Mae Alloway of Omaha, Nebraska, Ryan (Alicia) Cooper of Minden, Nebraska; mother, Janet Norgaard of Denison, Iowa, father, Phillip Cooper Sr. of Pacific Junction, Iowa; brothers, Gene Cooper of Kimballton, Iowa, Mike (Karen) Cooper of Persia, Iowa, sister, Elizabeth (Victor Larsen of Harlan, Iowa; half-brother, Jeff (Mary) Cooper of Glenwood, Iowa, half-sister, Jennifer Cooper of Omaha, Nebraska, he is also survived by three grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Gregory Alloway and Ayrianna and Chase Cooper, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, the mother of his children, Cindy (Lyman) Cooper and many, many friends. He will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Herbert and Alice Heyde and Vernard Sr. and Bessie Cooper. Memorial Service will be held in Jasper, Arkansas, January 8th at the Jasper First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community of Christ Church in Persia, Iowa with Pastor Kirk Parsons officiating. Music will be selected by Rick’s children. Burial of his cremains will be at the Valley View Cemetery, Persia, Iowa, with Tom Honeywell serving as bearer. Everyone is invited to attend a lunch, which will follow the service at the Fire Hall in Persia.