Charles Alfred Cooper

Charles Alfred Cooper Sr., 86, transitioned on Saturday, September 10, 2025.

Charles was born in Minneapolis, KS, May 10, 1939. He graduated from public school at age 18 and immediately left to join the military. Charles proudly served in the United States Army, where he served over 30 years and climbed in ranks, becoming a Master Sargent. While stationed in New Orleans, LA, he met and married the love of his life, Gaynell T. Baham on September 14, 1963.

After serving overseas for many years, Charles was next stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he and Gaynell settled and remained and where he retired from his military career in 1989.

Charles was not one to sit still, after retirement, he took a job with UPS where he worked until the age of 81. Charles loved his children and was very proud of each of them. He loved building things, working in his backyard which he transformed into his sanctuary, adding lots of plants and trees, tortoise, a fishpond and an array of colorful flowers.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents; Charles Cooper and Evelyn Cooper, his sister Joleen C. Phillips, his three children, Judith L. Cooper, Charles A. Cooper Jr., and Kara A. Cooper. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Gaynell B. Cooper, his children: Carolyn M. Cooper, Pauline Dudley (Greg), Leslie Foster (Lyman), Errol Cooper (Gabby), Gaynell T. Cooper, Jolynn K. Cooper and his bonus sons, Rodney Harris and Wayne Cooper. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. A Chapel Service will be at 8:30 AM, Friday, September 19, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East. Graveside Service will follow at 10:00 AM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.