Published: March 02, 2009 03:31 pm            

JOHN THOMAS COOPER

JOHN THOMAS COOPER

July 29, 1921-Feb. 21, 2009

John Thomas Cooper lived a life filled with passion for his family,

agriculture and people.

He was the son of Henry Cooper and Maudie Mercer Cooper. He was reared

on the family farm in the Frazer community along with four sisters-Margaret,

Emogene (deceased), Faye, and Mary Lou. Being the oldest child as well as

the only male, he loved teasing his sisters.

On January 31, 1953 he married Geneva Gill.

To this union was born two children-Carole (and Mike) Hancock and John

T. (and Demetra) Cooper II.

He was also survived by six grandchildren-Martha, Donna, and Laura

Hancock and Clayton, Allison and Lindsey Cooper.

He loved animals-Angus cattle, draft horses, mules, Border collies and

sheep.

He served in World War II prior to enrolling in college. At the

University of Kentucky he earned a B.S. degree in Animal Science. He was a

member of the livestock judging team and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He

served as president of the University of Kentucky 4-H club. In 1985, he was

honored with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Distinguishd

Alumni Award. For 10 years, he was manager of the sheep department at

Bourbon Stock Yards in Louisville. In 1960, he and Geneva moved back to the

the family farm. He worked as a field representative for Production Credit

Association until his retirement in 1986.

A life-long member of Tuttle's Chapel United Methodist Church, he served

as Sunday School superintendent for 15 years.

In retirement, he farmed with his son John as long as his health

allowed. He enjoyed working with his draft horses and sitting under a shade

tree eating chocolate cake and drinking coffee. The best sermons are lived,

not preached.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 2 p.m. in the

funeral home chapel with Bro. William Seth Denney officiating. Burial

followed in the Elk Spring Cemetery.

Hickey and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

        

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