Jessa Cooper

JessaJess Cooper, 81, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away Friday, March 16, 2012 at CRMC. Jess was born on January 7, 1931 in Bartlett, Kansas to Jess and Lillie Woodall Cooper. He grew up in Edna, Kansas when he attended local schools and received his high school education. Jess worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad for 41 years. On June 5, 1982 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Barbara Heath in Wichita, Kansas. The couple made their home in Coffeyville, Kansas. Jess was a member of the Edna Lodge 345 AFAM, Mirza Shrine, York rite Bodies, Charter member of Twin River Aerie 3448 in Neodesha, KS formerly serving as Secretary He was the past State President and past Regional President of the Kansas Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He attended Bible Baptist Church in Coffeyville. Jess will always be remembered for his role as Santa Claus for over 30 years that brought many generations of children of all ages much joy. He loved to fish and watch sports he was active in supporting the local Red Ravens by attending almost all the games. He enjoyed country music especially George Jones. Most of all he loved his family and time he spent with them. Surviving to honor his memory are his wife, Barbara of the home sons, Gary Wayne Cooper and wife, Kitty of Las Vegas, NV, Richard Heath of Dearing, KS daughter, Cathy Money of Kansas City, MO brother, Clyde Vail and wife, Vicky of Coffeyville, KS sisters, Ruby Johnston of Tulsa, OK Barbara Stroud of Flower Mound, TX, Linda Wilson of Tulsa, OK and grandchildren, Josh and Sara Cooper of Las Vegas, NV. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Lillie daughter, Jackie Schmidt brother, Richard Vail. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bible Baptist Church in Coffeyville. Reverend Daniel Knight will officiate. Burial will follow at North Edna Cemetery in Edna, Kansas. Friends may call on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Chapel in Coffeyville, Ks to sign the guest register.