A celebration of life service for Earl L Cooper, age 90, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, who died Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center, will be Held Monday, April 10, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at Harvest Valley Church with Curt Holzworth officiating. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dugankramer.com
Earl was born January 27, 1933, on the kitchen table in a little farm house east of Lewellen, Nebraska, to Charles E. and Nona (Tincher) Cooper.
He spent his childhood in the Lewellen, Nebraska, area, and graduated from Lewellen High School in 1952. He moved to Omaha and attended Barber School, graduating in November of 1952. He worked in a Barber Shop in Omaha, which he later purchased and ran for 13 years. He married Donna Mae Eggers in 1953, and to this union, 3 children were born: Sandy, Mick, and Tom. The family relocated to Gering, Nebraska, in 1965 when he purchased the Oregon Trail Barber Shop, which he ran for 8 years before pursuing a career in agriculture. He and Donna were married until 1984. He later married Dianne Mathson in 1986. Dianne brought 2 daughters into the marriage: Brandi and Larsena. The family resided in Gering and later at Lake McConaughy. Earl worked as a nutritional feed consultant for local feedlots and cattle growers for PMS for 25 years. His customers were considered extended family. He retired from PMS in 1999.
Earl was active in, and was past president of, the Gering Jaycees. He was an avid walleye fisherman and faithful fan of Nebraska Football. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family. He could be found behind the grill serving food at many church functions. He especially loved county fairs where he was involved with his children and many others showing live stock for 4H.
Earl is survived by his wife, Dianne of Scottsbluff; daughter, Sandy (Tim) Daniels of Omaha, Nebraska; sons, Mick (Carol) Cooper of Benton, Arkansas, and Tom (Penny) Cooper of rural McGrew, Nebraska; Step-daughter, Larsena Mathson of Gering; and Grandchildren, Dawn Daniels, Kimberly (Chris) Mann, Andria (John) Simons, Briana (Lance) Ellzey, Brandon Cooper, Katie Cooper, Kayley (Charlie) Cooper-Hadenfeldt, Grant (Kylie Sauter) Greene, Dylan (Angel) Mathson, Kane Mathson. He has 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Earl enjoyed spending time with his family.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Charles (Bump) and Nona Cooper; Sister, Audrey Cushing; Brothers, Charles, Everett, Carl and Wayne; and step-daughter Brandi Mathson. A memorial has been established to the family to be distributed at a later date.