Hubert Ronald Cooper

Hubert Ronald Cooper (Ron), 82, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away on December 2, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was born on December 26, 1942, in Freeport, New York. On June 12, 1965, he married the love of his life, Jean Alice Kressel (Jeanne), in San Diego, California.

Mr. Cooper proudly served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. He held a degree in accounting and continued to advance in his field, completing the Cadmus Education Foundation’s Advanced Staff Auditor’s Development program in April 1974. He later enjoyed a long and dedicated career with Northrop Grumman, retiring after many years of service.

Although originally from New York and married in California, he and his wife eventually made Ocean Springs, Mississippi, their home—a place where they raised their family, created lifelong memories, and became cherished members of a community they deeply loved.

A quiet and thoughtful man, he found great joy in working with his hands—particularly through woodworking—and had a lifelong passion for cars. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan and proudly wore #61 as an offensive and defensive lineman for University of San Diego High School (USDHS) in his younger years. He enjoyed attending air shows, cheering on Notre Dame football, traveling across the country, and spending cherished time with his family.

His legacy is rooted in his love of family and the time spent together. He believed in making every trip and every moment count, valuing quality time above all else. Family vacations were a cherished tradition, filled with laughter, good food, and joyful memories. He especially loved sharing a meal with those he loved, taking delight in favorites like lobster, rack of lamb, and pineapple upside-down cake. A man of deep Catholic faith, he lived with humility, kindness, and a steady devotion to what mattered most.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Jean (Jeanne) Cooper, and by his parents, Eda Elizabeth Lins Cooper and Hubert Francis Cooper.

He leaves behind two children, Karen Champaigne (Michael) and Michael Cooper (Olga), who will forever cherish his memory. His legacy continues through his four grandchildren: Jena Foulon (Garrett), Cameron Champaigne (Taylor), Kyle Cooper (Laura), Braden Cooper and one great grandchild, Finton Foulon, all who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brother, Horatio Cooper (Sharon), who shared his love for woodworking.

Mr. Cooper will be laid to rest beside his wife. He will be remembered for his gentle humor, his steady presence, and his ability to make any day a little brighter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, the Colon Cancer Alliance, or another charity of your choice that supports cancer research or patient care.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to St. Joseph Hospice, Ashley Wesson, NP at the VA Medical Center in Biloxi, and to Cynthia with Comfort Keepers. Your compassion, steady support, and genuine kindness brought comfort to him and to all who loved him. The family will always be grateful for the care you provided during his final months.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Hubert Ronald Cooper.