Wimmer E. Cooper

Wimmer E. Cooper

May 20, 1920

April 29, 2005

Wim was born May 26, 1920 in his maternal grandparents Paso Robles home. He moved to Bakersfield with his mother and father in 1927 where he remained.

Wims first name (Wimmer) was derived from his family history. His great-great-great-grandfather, Peter Wimmer, picked up the first gold nugget in Coloma, California (Sutters Mill), and presented it to his employer, Marshall. Marshall then gave the nugget to Jennie Wimmer, (Peter Wimmers wife) to soak it in her lye soap to determine if it was actually gold. That incident began the California Gold Rush in January 1848.

Wim attended Emerson, Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College before entering the U.S. Coast Artillery (Army) in January 1942. In 1943, he applied for the U.S. Air Force and became a lead pilot of a B-17 out of Lavenham, England for 19 missions. He received the Air Medal with a 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Bronze Star for his service.

His occupation and years of service were diverse and interesting. While waiting for the World War II draft, he served as a fireman on the Santa Fe Railroad. Next in line were his four years in military service. Then a wonderful 46-year career and partnership with Jim Bridges in the welding supply business: Bakers Welding Supply. His active retirement years were spent conducting a variety of real estate and investment ventures.

He served as President of both the Bakersfield 20-30 Club and Westchester Lions Club. He was a lifetime member of the 8th Air Force and the National Welding Supply Association. Additionally, he was a 52-year member of the International Wine & Food Society and served as its Secretary-Treasurer for 20 years.

He received awards and acclaim for his beautiful lights surrounding his home at Christmas plus his outstanding (110) azaleas in the Spring.

His family considered him The Rock of Gibraltar always there for love, support and understanding.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cathy Cooper in 1970. His surviving family includes his wife, Betty, of 63 years; his daughter, Becky and her husband, Jim Jennings; his son, Mark and his wife, Suzie; his five grandsons, Jeff, Brian and Scott Ulrich and John and Michael Cooper; and a great-grandson, Justen Ulrich.

Wims expressed wishes were to have his family, close friends, and longtime associates gather together in his home on Saturday, May 7th between the hours of 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.