Russel Cooper

COOPER, RUSSEL JOHN Aged 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 6th, 2015. Russel and his twin brother Randal were born to Ralph and Elizabeth Cooper on May 19th, 1926. The twins along with their older brother Harold lost their mother to cancer at a young age. Ralph married Jennie Platschore who helped raise his boys. Russel enlisted in the Navy at 18 and served from 1944 - 1945. He served in the Okinawa campaign, he was assigned to radar picket station 1. On May 4th, 1945 his ship was sunk by suicide planes. Both of Russel's brothers were also serving in the military during this time. In 1946 Russel married and started his family. He raised three sons and a daughter with his wife Harriet. He served the Lord in ministry and missionary work for many years and helped found two churches. He served on the mission field in Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and Haiti. Russel married in 1981 to his current wife Shirley and they resided in the home he built in Howard City. He had been a resident of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans since January of 2015. Russel is survived by his wife Shirley Cooper, his sons David Cooper, Denny (Chari) Cooper, Joel Cooper and his daughter Bonnie (Paul) Hagan. His 7 grandchildren, Angela (Paul) Cooper/Boxer, Russel Cooper, Benjamin Cooper, Brandi (Nate) Hagan/Harr, Ariel Hagan, Summer Hagan, Hollie Hagan and five great grandchildren. Sisters-in-law Vera (Nelson) DeVries and Betty Cooper, also many dear nieces and nephews. Russel was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth Cooper, Ralph Cooper and step-mother Jennie Cooper, his brothers Randal and Harold. Russel's passion in life was spreading the good news that "Jesus loves you" and he so did till the day he joined his Lord in Glory. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe NE. The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. To read a full obituary please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Russel J Cooper please visit our Sympathy Store.