Cooper, Robert “Bob” Arthur

passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Husband of the late Joan Cooper (nee Merkle); loving dad of Lisa (Jason) Kemp and Lynette (Kevin) Ryan; adored grandpa of Grace, Maegan, Conor, Lucy and Duncan; son of the late Arthur and Wilhelmina Cooper (nee Pannier).

Bob was born and grew up in Belleville Illinois, a town he always returned to and loved.  His mother, Wilhelmina (Billie) Cooper, came from a large family and taught him the value of family from an early age. He was closest to his mothers sisters, Thelma and Anita (Nita), who often came by the house. Unfortunately, that closeness never really applied to his older half-sister June. That relationship didn’t start well due to an incident at his grandmother Ella Mae Cooper’s home when he was about 5 yrs old.  Ella Mae often baked pies and let them cool on the counter. Bob and June were tormenting each other and running around the house when he got the idea to smash a pie in June’s face and run up the stairs. Of course, June burst into tears and Ella Mae, who was quite strict, was very unhappy with him. It was very different with his cousin Bonnie. They were very close and he shared many stories of their antics until she move away as a teen. Bob kept in touch with her throughout his life. Bob also had a group of local friends that he called ‘the gang’. They rode bikes to the swimming pool and, when they were older, hid many of them in the trunk of a car to get into the drive-in movies cheaply. His gang once hinted that moonshine was involved in that caper. Bob’s father, Art, took him to see the St Louis Browns play on occasion. Later in life, when visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame, he recounted stories of the fun he had at those games and his opinion of several Browns and early Cardinal players. Bob took up that interest in baseball in Belleville. He located a local team associated with a Baptist church and learned that you had to be a member to play. Dad got himself up early every Sunday morning and walked to that church, eventually joining. A tall man, he also played basketball in high school. He had a slightly crooked pinky that he attributed to a basketball jamming it during a game. After his return from the Army, he coached a baseball team in Belleville. Later, he sponsored and coached competitive softball teams for his daughters, Cooper Electric and Cooper Cubs, from elementary school until they left for college. His daughters both have fond memories of A&W rootbeer floats after hot practice days. Bob loved playing, coaching, and watching team sports. He took his daughters to Cardinals games at Busch Stadium, watched Blues hockey games with them at home, and a bit of football too.

Bob was a Mason for 74 years. He was very proud of this accomplishment and received a Masonic ceremony at his funeral. As he gained his levels, he became a member of the Gothic Lodge 852, the Scottish Rite 092, and Shriners in East St Louis. He spoke fondly of his time in DeMolay youth programs. The family believes him to be level 32.

Bob was a faithful man and devout Christian. He found religion on his own at a young age and walked to church every Sunday. Whether baseball took him to the church or church took him to baseball, he developed a deep faith in God that sustained him throughout his life. A Baptist who married a Catholic, he eventually chose to follow the Presbyterian Church.  He told his eldest daughter that they chose Presbyterian because that was the one where she was quietest in childcare during the service. He was very active in his church, first Affton Presbyterian, then Southminster.  He served as Elder and Deacon and sang in both choirs as long as he attended church. He attended bible study for many years and virtually attended services when he was unable to join in person. He often read the Bible at home, both in times of need and for further study. Bob gave his daughters the best religious foundation he could provide for them to build upon on their own.

Visitation Monday, February 24, 9:00 a.m. until Funeral Service at 12:00 NOON at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd. Interment Walnut Hill Cemetery.  (Belleville, IL) In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) PO BOX 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301