COOPER, Robert Hamilton 1917-2014

COOPER, DEEMS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 11/16/2014 at 13:14:00

Robert Hamilton Cooper

CHARLES CITY, IOWA - Robert Hamilton "Bob" Cooper died November 8, 2014, at the age of 96. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City.

Bob was born on December 31, 1917, in Boone, the youngest son of Ralph L. and Maude M. Cooper. Bob graduated from Boone High School where he was involved in both athletics and band. He completed a degree in chemical engineering at Iowa State College where he graduated in 1939. In May 2014, Bob attended his 75th college graduation reunion.

Following graduation, Bob moved to Charles City where he was employed by Dr. Salsbury's Laboratories as a chemical engineer.

Bob was married on August 30, 1941, to Ruth Deems, and they were married for 60 years until her death in 2002. Bob enjoyed his work at Salsbury's and continued his employment until he retired 45 years later as vice president of manufacturing. After he retired, he enjoyed flying and became a licensed pilot.

The Coopers were members of First Congregational Church for many years and served the church in several roles. Bob was also very active in the community, a member of Lion's Club, the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge and Country Club. He served on the local school board, the Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Ambassadors.

He was an active supporter of Iowa State University and its engineering school as well as its athletic programs. He served on the Engineering Council there for many years and was a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. During World War II he was a member of the National Executive Reserve.

Bob enjoyed travel, golf and bridge. He had wonderful times with his family and friends around the world and especially at "Echo Lodge," the family cottage in Wisconsin. Bob spent his last years in Texas, a resident of Corpus Christi. He enjoyed bridge games, Broadway shows, the symphony and helping others at his living facility, Trinity Towers.

Robert is survived by his three children: Jim (Vicki) Cooper of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mary Catherine (Derek) Savage of Baltimore, Maryland, and Bob (Mary) Cooper of Bowling Green, Kentucky; his grandchildren: James A. and Ayse Cooper, Graham (Noelle) and Cooper (Pat) Savage, Tony (Sandra) Cooper, Valerie (John) Dufoe, Alicia (Kevin) Perry and Josh Cooper; and a number of great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Willis M.; and a sister, Catherine Jensen.

The family would like to thank all at Trinity Towers and the Holmgreen Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, for his care during his final illness.

The Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 16 NOV 1014