Wendell “Leroy” Cooper, 88, of Festus died Nov. 2, 2016, at his home. Mr. Cooper was a retired electrician for PPG Industries and a member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City. He was a World War Ii and Korean War veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and was an avid fisherman, duck hunter and outdoorsman. Born Nov. 13, 1927, in Festus, he was the son of the late Ada Irene (Reeder) and Wendell Cooper.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara (Guion) Cooper; a son: Mike (Linny) Cooper of Oakville; a daughter-in-law: Cheri Cooper of Ironton; a brother-in-law: Dr. Leslie Sabo of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Sarah (Ray) Gonzales, Rebecca (Alan) Zentz, Zachary Cooper, Jordana Cooper, Aurianna Cooper, Kelsey Cooper and Brandon Cooper; and five great-grandchildren: Alejandro Castillo, Mateo Castillo, Gabriella Castillo, Annabelle Zentz and Amelia Zentz. He was preceded in death by two sons: Rodney Cooper and Rick Cooper; and a sister: Lorraine Sabo.
A funeral service was held Nov. 7 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Charles McLain. Burial was in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.