Robert Lee Cooper, Sr., age 82, passed away on May 19, 2018. He was born on February 16, 1936 to Joseph (Joe) A. Cooper and Lou McIlwee Cooper in Gainsborough, VA. Robert was raised in Gainsborough, VA. Robert enlisted in the US Navy in March 1, 1952 during the Korean and Vietnam conflict. He deployed in Vietnam. Robert held the rate of CS3/rank of E4.
He was married to Cipriana (Pina) Duque Carino Cooper for 56 years. They married on October 14, 1961 at Naval Base Sangley Point, Cavite City, Philippines.
Robert was employed by the United States Navy, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Public Works Department, as a Civil Servant for 40 years. During his Civil Service time, Robert was active with the local NFGE, where he served as their local President for several years.
Upon his retirement, Robert continued working as a everyone's "Mr. Fixit" and Chef. He was known for creating the most tender briskets, culinary creations both sweet and savory, which involved using Cayenne and Chili Pippin.
Robert was a member of the Oso Naval Masonic Lodge #1282 A.F. and A.M. The Masons tenets require adherent belief in God in life and after death, as well the importance of helping the less fortunate including stressing caring for the widows and orphans of Masons. Robert embodied these beliefs by always believing in God, helping everyone, especially those in need. He never asked for anything in return.
Robert and his wife are members of the Heritage Baptist Church. He was a member of Brownlee Baptist, currently named Heritage Baptist.
Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to everyone. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Robert will be always remembered for his sense of humor (always ribbing those he loved, especially his wife, Pina); devotion to his family, friends, and others; generosity, and skills in culinary, HVAC, carpentry, and general Mr. Fix It).
Robert is preceded in death by his father, Joe, mother, Lou, brothers, Frank Cooper, Edward Cooper, William Cooper, and Douglas Cooper, and sister, Georgia Peffer.
Robert is survived by his wife, Cipriana, sons Robert (Timi) Cooper and Gary Cooper, granddaughters, Heather (Luis) Esparza, Brittany (Kelvy) Bowden, and Kaylee Cooper, great-grandchildren, Jalin Ingram, Maleya Esparza, Austin Esparza, Kobe Esparza, Leeanna Bowden, Kinslee Bowden, and Mikayha Bowden, sisters Hilda Raceq, Pauline Brown, and Mary Bucher, as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Seaside Funeral Home. Masons Funeral Rite will be on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Heritage Baptist Church, Graveside Service and interment will be held at the Coastal Bend Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. that same day.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.