Harry "Rusty" Cooper

Harry "Rusty" Cooper, of Republic, MO, went home to be with his Lord on September 20, 2024, he was 74 years old. He was born on November 16, 1949, to Oliver "Bill" and Lucille (Gilbert) Cooper, in Springfield, MO. Rusty was one of four children in the home.
He graduated from Hillcrest High School with the class of 1967. Rusty was blessed with three children, Courtney, Stephanie and Bailey. On September 30, 1984, Rusty married Gayle, and they have shared 40 years together. Rusty was a huge sports fan, enjoying all of Mizzou sports as well as watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs play. He enjoyed trips to the casino, helping friends and family with errands, and provided the gift of his homemade ice cream on the 4th of July. Rusty cherished times he was able to tease and spoil his grandchildren with donuts. He was a member of the Hope Lutheran Family.
Rusty is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Bill Cooper.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle, his son Courtney Cooper (Julie McDonald), daughters Stephanie Leake (Brian) and Bailey (Greg) Hornback, grandchildren; Taylor Cooper, Morgan Leake, Cooper Hornback and Jude Hornback, siblings Gary (Tonda) Cooper, and Chuck (Lyn) Cooper as well as other extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Autism Speaks or Hope Lutheran Church.
A Memorial Visitation is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, a Celebration of Rusty's Life will follow at 6.pm. In honor of Rusty's love for the Chiefs and the Cardinals, the family is requesting that everyone wear either Chiefs or Cardinals attire to both the visitation and the celebration.