COOPER, Harwell Ernest

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 6, 2009 Harwell Ernest Cooper, 88, of San Manuel died early morning Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at the Casa de los Abuelos in Tucson. He was born March 21, 1921, in Goodrich, Texas, the son of the late Robert Wesley and Martha (Odell) Cooper. A veteran of the 101st Airborne, Harwell participated in the invasion of Normandy June 4, 1944, during World War II. He was highly decorated and received a Presidential Citation, The Bronze Star and The Purple Heart. He moved to Arizona from New Mexico 54 years ago. Harwell worked in the copper mining industry and retired as a reverb general foreman. He has lived several years in San Manuel. Harwell is survived by his loving wife, Lillian (Boots) Cooper; son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Helen Cooper of Tucson; stepson Jimmie W. Puckett of Eureka Springs, Ark.; sister Opal Mitchamore of Baytown, Texas; grandchildren Clay, Robert, Chad, Clint and Melissa; numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He has a very large extended family and was loved by all. Harwell had a strong faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his family receives solace by knowing he is in the arms of his Lord. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at San Manuel First Baptist Church and will be officiated by Pastor David Hall. Graveside service will be held the following day at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Show Low Cemetery in Show Low. Owens Livingston Mortuary White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences, or to sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.