Donald James Cooper

Donald James Cooper, age 72, of Centerville, Kansas, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2010 at his home. Donald was born on May 7, 1938, in Miami County, Kansas, the son of John Frank Cooper Jr. and Elsie Mae (Creager) Cooper. He attended Fontana schools, spending his childhood in the Fontana and Paola area. Donald entered the United States Navy in the spring of 1955 and spent twenty years and twelve days in active service before retiring in 1975. He received numerous medals and commendations throughout his naval career, obtaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. Later, after retiring from the Navy, he began a civilian career as a consultant for various private companies consulting directly to the military. In 1999, he moved back to the area where he was raised and met Lisa Ogden. They married on September 22, 2003 in Harrison, Arkansas. Though he loved to restore old tractors, trucks and cars, Donald especially enjoyed camping with his brothers, and traveling. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Cooper; two nephews, Bruce Cooper and Kevin Cooper; and one grandson, Derek Cooper. Donald is survived by his wife, Lisa Cooper, of the home; his children, James Cooper of Overland Park, Kansas; Cheryl O'Malley of Olathe, Kansas; Pam Brunner of Olathe, Kansas; and Linn Oliver of Independence, Kansas; Stepchildren, Kristina Noser of McAllen, Texas; Michael Ogden of Palm City, Florida; Amianne Snethkamp of San Antonio, Texas; Staci Richards of Beaumont, Texas; and Laura Morfin of McAllen, Texas; Brothers and Sisters, Wayne Cooper and wife Jan of Langdon, North Dakota; Joyce Scovill of Scottsdale, Arizona; John (Bud) Cooper and wife Carol of Paola, Kansas; Michael Cooper and wife Janet of Crawford, Texas; Virginia Russell of Centerville, Kansas; Kathy Lehman and husband Clifton of Lubbock, Texas; Seven Grandchildren; Eleven Step Grandchildren; Four Great Grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Military graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 25, 2010 at the Ft. Scott National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening June 24th, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions made to the American Cancer Society. You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com