LeRoy Cooper Jr. “Coop” was a caring and kind husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. He passed away on September 10, 2023, at the age of 83 following a short illness. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held September 24, 2023, from 2-4 P.M. at Maple Leaf Lodge 270511 CR S, Gering, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the LeRoy Ewing “Sparky” Cooper Memorial Fund.
LeRoy was born on July 2, 1940, to Lee and Ella (Williamson) Cooper in McGill, NV. Growing up on a farm outside of Wakefield, NE, hard work was the cornerstone of his character. Sixty years ago, LeRoy met the love of his life, Jean Ewing of Gering, on a first date at the movie theater. They married in 1964 and were blessed with two sons, LeRoy Ewing (Sparky) and Kevin Thomas (Tom). Raising his boys was the highlight of LeRoy’s life.
He established Cooper Trucking in 1969 and helped pioneer the cattle hauling industry in the valley for over forty years. Along with his trucking career, he ran a successful farming and ranching operation, C&C Cattle, with his son Tom. He enjoyed fishing, working on the farm with his son, playing with his grandkids, and most of all spending his days at the ranch with the cattle.
Coop, reliable and patient, will be remembered for his calm demeanor and honesty. He had a smile that lit up the room and his integrity followed him throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his Son Sparky in 1980; his parents and his parents in law, Tellford and Helen Ewing.
LeRoy is survived by his wife of 60 years Helen Jean; son Tom (Cindy) Cooper of Gering; grandchildren Cassidy Cooper of California, Coulter (Matt) Maestas of Torrington, Bryttni (Ethan) Kerk of Gering, and T.J. (Mary) Morrow of Missouri; great-grandchildren Tryten, Brixton, and Breckyn Kerk, Nolan and Emily Maestas, and Jack and Brooks Morrow; siblings Dorothy Hankins, Violet (Bob) Schott, Mary (Larry) Baker, George Cooper, Norman (Sue) Cooper; brother in law John Ewing, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.