John E. Cooper, 86, of Orange, Texas, passed away on June 23, 2016, at his home surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 27, 2016, at Slade Chapel of First United Methodist Church in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Randy Branch. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Wild Horse, Texas, on June 22, 1930, he was the son of A.B. Cooper and Della Brooks Cooper. John graduated from Wellington High School in 1947 and went on to graduate from Draughons Business College in 1949 and also attended the University Texas, A&M, and Southern Methodist University. He was a United States Army Veteran who honorably served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He found his niche in banking and continued until his retirement in 1994. John loved to spend time playing golf and was involved in many community activities including; Chairman- Board of Trustees of Baptist Hospital in Orange, Commissioner- Orange Housing Authority, Ambassador- Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, Assistant District Governor- Orange Rotary Club-1998-1999, President- American Institute of Banking, President- Greater Orange Chamber of Commerce, President- Orange County United Fund, President- Rotary Club-Midland, Texas 1971-1972 & Orange, Texas 1992-1993, Chairman- Midland County Chapter of American Red Cross, Chairman- Midland Better Business Bureau, Director- Sunset Grove Country Club, Director- Orange Crime Stoppers, Campaign Director- Midland County March of Dimes, Director- Muscular Dystrophy, and Treasurer- First United Methodist Church of Midland, Texas. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Orange and served on many church committees such as Building Committee, Finance Committee, and Auditing Committee. He was especially proud of his 55+ year perfect attendance for Rotary Club. John loved his God, his family, and his country. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; grandson, John Cooper Day; and great-granddaughter, Bristol Perry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Elaine Cooper; daughters, Cindy King and husband Wyn, of Midland, TX, Melinda Day and husband Greg, of New Braunfels, TX, and Christine Anderson and husband Chris, of Orange, TX; son, Mike Taylor and wife Lisa, of Orange, TX; grandchildren, Geoff Day and wife Chanel, Phillip Day, Lauren Jones, Morgan Taylor, Kaitlyn Jones, Justin Anderson, Dillon Taylor, and Caden Anderson; and his great-grandsons, Brody Perry and Branson Jones.
Serving as pallbearers will be Geoff Day, Phillip Day, Mike Taylor, Wyn King, Chris Anderson, and Dillon Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Justin Anderson, Caden Anderson, and Brody Perry.
Charitable contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church at 502 N. 6th St, Orange, TX 77630.