Ronald "Ron" Cooper

Ronald "Ron" Clayton Cooper, Sr., 76, of Cozad passed away on January 1, 2026, in Cozad, Nebraska.
Ron was born on October 9, 1949, to Clifford and Mary Ann (Bidwell) Cooper in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Summit High School in Frisco, Colorado. Ron went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Navy, from February 26, 1970, until April 16, 1975, instilling in him a sense of discipline that he carried throughout his life. He Married Sandra Kay Pacheco on October 19, 1974 in Granby, CO, to this union three children were born: Charity, Clay and Brandon.
After his military service, Ron followed construction jobs across Colorado and Nebraska. In 1989, he settled in Cozad, Nebraska, where he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into owning various businesses. His career culminated as a beloved mail carrier and the proud owner of C & K.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Ron found solace and joy in the great outdoors. His love for nature was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. Time spent with loved ones was Ron's most cherished treasure.
Ron is survived by his daughter Charity (Tom) Dunphy of Gothenburg; his son Clay (Stacey) Cooper of Cozad; daughter-in-law Jeni Cooper of Cozad; grandchildren Ashland Cooper (Calvin Patterson) of Kearney, Dylan Cooper of Kearney, Avery (Jonah) Shimmin of Ft. Irwin, CA, Bethany Dunphy of Gothenburg, Brogan Dunphy of Gothenburg, Garrett Cooper (Katrina Talent) of Norton, KS, Trinity Cooper of Gothenburg, Riley Gainsforth of Cheyenne, WY, and Jennifer Gainsforth; great-grandchildren Wyatt Cooper and Lila Patterson; brother, Reno Cooper of Cozad; sister Christina Cooper of Rancho Cordova, CA.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, his son, Brandon, his father, Clifford, and his mother, Mary Ann Tuff.
A register book signing will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 1:00-6:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St, Gothenburg, NE with the family present from 4:00-6:00 PM.
A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 AM, Friday, January 9, 2026 at The Cozad Crossing Church, 1602 O St, Cozad, NE with Pastor Robert Litzenberger officiating.
Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery in Cozad, NE.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors or Debra.org.
Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser.comstrauser.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald "Ron" Cooper, please visit our floral store.