Charlie O. Cooper November 6, 1920 ~ March 22, 2011
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Charlie O. Cooper, 90, longtime Ogallala resident, died Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Indian Hills Manor. 

Charlie was born November 6, 1920 in Albion, Nebr., the son of Arthur and Mae Moore Cooper. He was raised in St. Edward, Nebr. where he played basketball in high school, graduating in 1938. Charlie moved to Maryland to work on a dairy farm.

On October 9, 1942 he began his enlistment in the   Marines. Charlie was stationed in Lakehurst, New Jersey where he met Amy White. On April 17 1945 Charlie and Amy were married at the military cathedral in Lakehurst. Charlie was shipped out to Okinawa where he served as a parachute rigger.

After being discharged in 1946 he returned to New Jersey and began working in civil service as a shop planner at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. Charlie retired in 1975 and Charlie and Amy moved in Ogallala in the 1980s.

Charlie's hobbies included gardening, dancing, and bowling. He enjoyed playing basketball until he was in his seventies. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Ogallala Elks Lodge 1760, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Preceding him in death were his parents, daughter Cathy Martocci in 1985, two brothers Bob and Ralph, and two sisters Leetha Griffin and Rose Barber.

Survivors include his wife Amy Cooper of Ogallala, two sons: Charlie A. Cooper and his wife Christine of Lincoln and Randy Cooper of Hopewell, NJ. Two brothers: Bill Cooper of Madrid and Ed Cooper and his wife Bev of Fremont. Five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be Friday, March 25, from 1 p.m. to the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Rev.  Chuck Rager officiating.

Interment is in the Ogallala Cemetery with military honors by the Keith County Veterans Organization.

Online Condolences may be sent by clicking here.  A memorial has been established in his name.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.