Richard L. Cooper

Richard L. Cooper 72, of Sebring, Fla. formerly of Elkhart, passed away Saturday August 10, 2013 surrounded by his loving family, at the Elkhart Hospice House.

He was born April 2, 1941 in Danville, IL to Glenn F. and Ruby Marie (Sparks) Cooper. He married the love of his life, Jen L. (Heist) Cooper on July 14, 1973 in Elkhart. She survives four children, Michelle Cooper and her husband Joseph Oliveira and Charles (Sandy) Cooper of Ft. Myers, FL; Chris (Leo) Taramasco of Sanford, FL and Matt (Julie) Cooper of Cincinnati, OH, and a sister, Marilyn Swisher of Danville, IL. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 1 great-grand-daughter and his special pet, Jacques. He was preceded in death by his parents, his special mother-in-law, Jerry Heist and a daughter, Julie A. Bliler, who passed away July 3, 2013.

He was a wonderful husband, father, “Poppy”, and friend. Dick was loved by many and had a great sense of humor.

Dick attended Michigan State University and received his degree from Western Michigan University in 1964. He was past master of Vandalia Masonic Lodge. He went on a mission trip to Kenya with First Christian Church of Ft. Myers, FL. He also went on mission trips to Monterrey and Cancun Mexico twice a year for eight years with Back2Back Ministries of Cincinnati, OH.

He served as assistant director of purchasing for CTS Corporation in Elkhart. In 1975, Dick and Jen purchased Paradise Pools, Inc. which they owned and operated until 2000, retiring to Naples, FL. It was in Naples, where he discovered his love of boating. Dick was an avid golfer. Over the years, he belonged to Elcona CC, Christiana Creek CC, Bent Oak CC and Four Lakes CC. In Florida, Royal Wood CC, Royal Palm CC and SunN’Lakes CC.

Friends and family may call from 12 pm until the 2 pm service time at Granger Community Church, Elkhart on Saturday, August 17th. Pastor Gene Troyer assisted by Reverend Teri Schenk will officiate. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following services at the home of Dan and Wendy Matz.

The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff on the 6th floor, Progressive Care North at Elkhart General Hospital. They would also like to thank everyone at Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart.

Memorials may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care, 22579 Old U.S. 20 East, Elkhart, IN 46516 or Back2Back Ministries, P.O. Box 70, Mason, OH 45040. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral & Cremation Center, Elkhart is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.