Roy Lee Cooper

Roy Lee Cooper, of Corvallis, MT, passed away August 18, 2021, he was 95 years old.

Roy was born October 31, 1925, in Sherman, Texas. His family moved to Lakeside, California in 1926. He graduated Grossmont H.S., in El Cajon, CA, in 1943 where he was a track “star”, breaking the school record for 120-yard low hurdles and proudly held the record for 25 years. He grew up in an era where a handshake was his contract, and his word was his honor which would prove to be critical in years to come.

In 1943, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served as a Radarman (RMFC) aboard the USS Patterson during WWII. During his time in the Navy, he would entertain shipmates by playing his guitar and singing songs while sitting on the fan tail of the ship. He also had a hand in sneaking a pup on board the ship which later became the family pet, Skipper. After the Navy he attended college in San Diego, CA then transferred to Northrup Aeronautical Institute where he studied to be an Aeronautical Engineer.

It was November 23, 1947, when he married the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, Mary Lou Craig.  They lived in Lakeside, CA where they welcomed a daughter, Coleen and soon welcomed their son, Jens. Together, they moved to El Cajon, CA where he and Mary eventually owned and operated Bostonia Cement Works. Roy proved to be an amazing concrete and masonry contractor. He was a member of the El Cajon Mason Lodge as well as a life member of the VFW in Lakeside, CA.

Roy worked endlessly as a contractor and was able to retire at age 52. With Mary at his side, they loved to hunt, travel, and enjoyed all that retirement had to offer, site seeing, visiting family and friends, and entertaining everyone along the way with his guitar and some original songs. They fell in love with Montana, moving here in 1983.

Roy’s life was full of love from his family and all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He made a point to always keep in direct contact with his family, friends, and shipmates throughout the years. No heart has even been bigger, no thoughts ever more kind, nor love more treasured than that which he held for his family and friends. Dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-grandpa, uncle, and friend you will be missed.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Mary of Corvallis; parents Izates and Myrtle (Anderson) Cooper; sister Cleo Clark of California; brothers Beryl Cooper of Darby, MT, and Carl Cooper of Georgia; grandson Brian Bogdon of Hamilton, MT; and daughter-in-law Deborah Cooper of El Cajon, CA. and many other beloved family members.

He is survived by his daughter Coleen Feuers and husband Danny Feuers of Corvallis, MT; son Jens Cooper of El Cajon, CA; 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at the family home, 652 Dusty Trail, Corvallis, MT on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 2:00 PM with Military Honors at 3:00 PM.  The family suggest memorials be made to the Lakeside Historical Society, Lakeside, CA or the VFW Post 5867 in Lakeside, CA.