Gary Cooper, 86, of Schererville, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024 in his home. His loving wife of 69 years, Kay, was at his side. Gary was born in Prospect, PA in 1937. His parents, George and Wilma, preceded him in death. Gary is survived by his wife, Kay and his three sisters, June, Beth, and Deborah. Gary is also survived by his children, Chris of DeRidder, Louisana; Robert of Fishers, Indiana and Michael (Charlotte) of Crown Point, Indiana. Additionally, Gary is survived by six granddaughters and three great grandchildren. Gary left Prospect, PA when he joined the Air Force, serving on active duty with the Strategic Air Command. Gary was a boom operator, responsible for connecting two aircraft in mid flight for the purpose of aerial refueling. He liked to joke that this was the only job in the Air Force that required three officers to drive one enlisted man to work. After his active duty service ended, Gary joined the Illinois Air National Guard and served with the 126th Air Refueling Wing based at O’Hare Airport. Gary spent seven months serving in Desert Storm to end his military career. Gary served his country for almost 33 years. In his civilian life, Gary worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator as a member of the IUOE local
150. Gary finished his civilian career as a maintenance supervisor for HARSCO. In retirement, Gary enjoyed travel and spending time as a “snow bird” in Destin, Florida. He never missed the opportunity to help someone, or to spoil his grandchildren. His final days were spent offering kinds words to those who helped with his care, joyfully meeting his youngest great granddaughter, and holding hands with Kay.
Visitation will be held at Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home, Schererville (Indiana) on August 19, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00. A burial service for family will be held at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on August 20, 2024. In lieu of flowers, our family would like to honor Gary’s generous spirit by helping the family of Lucy, a 7 year old from Gary’s hometown, who is battling stage four cancer. A gofundme.com page is available. It is titled “Lucy’s Fund” and it is organized by Liz McKinney with the beneficiary being Peter Duffy (Lucy’s father). Thank you!
