Kenneth E. Cooper |
| Posted 2007-12-02 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Kenneth E. Cooper, age 94, passed away Nov. 23, 2007. Ken was born in Phoenix, Ariz., on Aug. 5, 1913, and moved to Prescott with his family in 1919. He attended the first grade at Miller Valley School before his family moved to Chino Valley in 1920. He continued his education in Chino Valley schools and graduated from Prescott High School in 1933. After graduation, Ken worked in the local area until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1941, where he served with the 111th Reconnaissance Spuadron in the African Campaign and later in Italy. He was crew chief on the P-51 Mustang. After being injured while on duty, he received his Honorable Discharge on V-J Day after which he returned to Chino Valley, where he spent most of the rest of his life. On Dec. 25, 1946, Ken married Lavon Trauzettel. The marriage ceremony was performed in the farmhouse they would call home until her death on Jan. 12, 2004. Ken and his family owned and operated the Chino Valley Feed and Grain business for many years, supplying feed, grain and other supplies to many farms and ranches throughout Yavapai County. Later, in 1979, the business was sold to its present owner and is now called Olsen's Grain in Chino Valley. During his years in Chino Valley he was a long-time member of the Chino Valley Volunteer Fire Department, during which time he assumed co-responsibility for obtaining funds for constructing Chino Valley's first fire station. He also served many years on the Chino Valley Soil Conservation Board and was chairman of that Board during part of his service. Likewise, Ken served many years on the Chino Valley Irrigation District and was president of that District during his service. In June 1998, Ken and Lavon donated their farm, located at the southeast comer of Center Street and U.S. Highway 89 in Chino Valley, to the Chino Valley Unified School District 51, under the condition that the farm always be used for agricultural education. The farm is now named the Cooper Agricultural Center. Ken never lost his love for flying. He joined the Prop and Rudder Club at the Prescott Airport where he learned to fly and was able to obtain his pilot's license. He and his brother, Wayne Cooper, completely rebuilt an Areonca Champ single-engine "tail digger" Ken had purchased. He kept his airplane at the farm where he made his own dirt landing strip. Flying his airplane from his own dirt strip to look around the general area were some of his fondest memories. Ken is survived by his sister, Mildred Hennessey; brother Wayne Cooper; and nephew Rick Hennessey. Ken will be buried beside his wife Lavon at the Chino Valley Cemetery. A graveside service will take place Thursday, Nov. 29 2007, at 11 a.m. Chino Valley Funeral Home, cared for the family Information provided by survivors. |
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