Gerald J. Cooper

Gerald J. Cooper, 75, of Van Wert, beloved grandfather and brother, died at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2013, at the residence of his grandson in Delphos.

He was born December 6, 1937, in Dayton, the son of the late Frank J. and Josephine Cooper. He married Betty L. (Hartman) Cooper, who preceded him in death in 1992.

Mr. Cooper retired from Kennedy Manufacturing Company and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of American Legion Post 178, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, Eagles Aerie 886, all of Van Wert. “Always on our minds, forever in our hearts.”

Survivors include a stepson, Lloyd Smith of Camden, Mich.; brother, John (Sharon) Cooper of Dayton; four sisters, Joann (Thomas) O’Brien, Martha (Howard) Weinert and Cecilia Cooper, all of Dayton, and Mary (Howard) Jaynes of Baraboo, Wis.; three grandchildren, David Beck and Stephanie Beck, both of Delphos, and Christopher Beck of Venedocia; five nieces; and 10 nephews.

A son, David J. Beck, also preceded him in death in 2002.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 12, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Father David Reinhart officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, with graveside military rites performed by the combined honors units of Legion Post 178 and VFW Post 5803.

Calling hours will be an hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.cowanfuneralhome.com.