John H. Cooper

LOWER ASKAM — John H. Cooper, 96, longtime resident of Lower Askam and Lake Silkworth, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born Jan. 31, 1920, in Nanticoke, he was a son of the late Thomas and Ellen (Thomas) Cooper. After the death of his mother, when he was two years old, he was raised by his beloved paternal grandmother, Rose.

He attended the Nanticoke schools and, early in life, was employed at the Glen Alden Coal Company and General Electric in Bridgeport, Conn. He was a World War II veteran and served in the China-Burma-India theater with the U.S. Army, 610th Ordnance Ammunition Company. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Battle Star, World War II Victory ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter and Company Letter of Commendation. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 10, 1945, and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Following the war, he worked at Air Products and, for many years, at Pagnotti Coal Company at Jeddo 7 as breaker foreman, until retiring in 1983.

On Oct. 4, 1947, he married the former Betty Davison, of Hanover Township, and together raised their family in Lower Askam. Following retirement, they made their family cottage at Lake Silkworth their permanent home.

He was a member of Askam United Methodist Church, where, in 2014, he and Betty were honored for their years of dedication and service; a member of American Legion Post No. 350, Nanticoke; Askam Volunteer Fire Company, charter member, beginning in 1945, of the Lake Silkworth Protective Association, serving on its board of directors for 25 years, and a member of the Cease Terrace Dock Association.

John was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Cooper Jr.; and a grandson, John Longenecker.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 69 years, Betty; children, Carol Longenecker and husband, Marshall, Susan Woodeshick and husband, Herbert, all of Lake Silkworth, John H. Cooper Jr. and wife, Rebeca, of Orlando, Fla., and Janet Cooper Jones, of Hanover Township; grandchildren, Karen Paules (Eric), Kevin Woodeshick (Rochelle), Shonda Clements (Mike) and Jared, Christopher and Shaun Jones; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Cooper and wife, Dorothy, of Nanticoke; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Askam United Methodist Church, 2811 S. Main St., Hanover Township, with the Rev. Craig Mark, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Hanover Green Cemetery with military honors. Friends may call for visitation 2 p.m. to time of service Saturday at the church.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Cooper's memory may be made to Askam United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are by Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad St., Nanticoke.