COOPER, Emmett Eugene

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Friday, February 10, 2012 - Emmett Eugene "Gene" Cooper, 70, passed away Feb. 5, 2012 in Lake Havasu City. He was born June 25, 1941 in Parkesburg, W.Va. to Emmett L. and Freda (Robinson) Cooper. Gene, as he was known to his family and friends, and his family moved to Flagstaff in May of 1957 for health reasons, where after graduating from high school in 1960, joined the Navy. He had his basic training at a base in San Diego, Calif. and then was assigned to duty at Point Mague, Calif. After being stationed there he went back to West Virginia and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Lou Maxson in August 1960. He went on to serve his country proudly in the US Navy for six years. Upon his honorable discharge Gene and Linda moved to Flagstaff where their three children were born. In 1969 he moved his family to Lake Havasu City where he worked in the painting and drywall trades and helped to build many homes and commercial structures in early Lake Havasu City. Summers were hot here so in 1980 they moved to Cottonwood where they lived for several years and after his first wife passed, he moved to Kingman. Besides enjoying his construction occupation, Gene loved working on any type of car or sand buggy. He was a member of Cross Roads Methodist Church and a life member of the VFW, Post 10386 in Kingman, where a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Gene is survived by his daughter, Amey (Robert) Law of Lake Havasu City; son, Robert Eugene (Pearl) Cooper of Cottonwood; daughter, Debra (Leonard) Meredith of Cottonwood; mother, Freda Cooper; brother, James Leroy (Diane) Cooper, all of Lake Havasu City; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Emmett L. Cooper and his first wife, Linda L. Cooper. Graveside service will be held at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens Monday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. with full military honors presented by the VFW and the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Gene's name. Thoughts, memories and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory, Veteran and Family owned.