Robert Eugene "Bob" Cooper, son of Arthur Bement (1893-1960) and Helen R. (Dietz) (1897-1983) Cooper, was born 16 May 1940, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan. Bob, the youngest of 6 siblings, graduated from OHS in 1958. All 7 Cooper children were Okemos High graduates: Charles 1939, Mary 1941, Arthur 1942, Kenneth 1944, Joanne 1950, Richard 1956 and Bob in 1958.
Bob married Judith Ann "Judy" Kyes, 21 September 1964. The couple made their home in Lainsburg, Shiawassee County, Michigan and raised three children. Bob died 19 January 2021 and was interred East Lawn Memory Gardens, Okemos, Ingham County.
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes
Robert E. Cooper, 80, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at his home in Laingsburg, Michigan. He was born May 16, 1940 in Lansing to the late Arthur and Helen (Dietz) Cooper. The joy of Bob's life was woodworking. He created beautiful heirlooms for his family and was especially active with the Sawdust Santas. The cedar chests, toy trains, rocking chairs, flag display cases, and countless other projects are treasured pieces for all who were blessed by his gifts.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Phelps; his parents; and his siblings, Joann, Mary, Arthur, Kenneth, and Charles.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Judy (Kyes) Cooper; his children, Michael (Julie) Cooper and Terri (Paul) Holt; his grandchildren, Cameron, Eric (Cheyenne), Kristen, Abby (Dustin), Kelsey (Cody), Erin, Brittany (Phil), Jordan, Elizabeth (Jake), and Troy; his great-grandchildren, Lilianna, Noah, Julianna, Emma, Kinsley, Lochlyn, and two on the way; and his brother, Richard Cooper.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 12pm until 3pm and again from 6pm until 8pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing. Masks are required as well as social distancing, with a limit of 25 guests at one time. A private family burial will take place in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's honor to the Sawdust Santas, 7725 Laingsburg Road, Laingsburg, MI 48848.