Raymond Henry Cooper

Raymond Henry Cooper, 81, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born on October 17, 1936, to Corbett and Mary (Alexander) Cooper in Hartshorn, Mo. He enlisted in the United States Army and served until he was honorably discharged. Ray went on to reenlist in the United States Navy where he served four tours in Saigon, Vietnam. He received a fourth Good Conduct Award, Bronze Star with Combat V, Presidential Unit Citation and a RVN Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal, 1st Class Color w/Palm). He retired after serving his country for over 21 years in the military. Ray spent a year of quality time with his family and went on to work for 20 years on a riverboat for Waxler Towing Company.

On March 21, 1966 he married Linda Foglesong in Greenville, Mo.

Neighbors will remember Ray by his love for being in his yard. He also loved working on his nephew’s farm and building riding cars for his grandchildren. Ray cherished the time spent with his wife and daughter on his front porch drinking coffee.

Raymond is survived by his wife Linda; dog Chloe; his daughter Rhonda (Lyndell) Coleman of Poplar Bluff, grandchildren, Chelsea (Joshua) Parkin of Poplar Bluff and Karisa Coleman of Pontotoc, Miss; great grandchildren, Remington and Raelee Parkin; his sister, Patsy Arnold; nephews Billy Jr. (Leslie) Cooper and Carl Arnold; great nieces, Lindsey and Katie Cooper and a sister in law, Faye Coad.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Billy Sr., brother in laws Pete Arnold, Phillip (Karen) Foglesong and Robert Foglesong, nieces Cheryl and Carla Arnold as well as a great nephew Brent Cooper.