Danny Martin Cooper, the son of Merlin and Dorothy (VanGundy) Cooper, was born on December 13, 1942, in Maryville, Missouri. He attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri, graduating in 1960. On October 16, 1960, Danny enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he became an airplane engine mechanic and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He received his honorable discharge on October 15, 1964.

Danny was united in marriage to Lyndia Husing in the early 1960’s. They became the parents of two children, Monica and Jeff. They later divorced. On November 10, 1980, Danny was united in marriage to Sheila Case at the First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, Missouri. They became the parents of one daughter, Chelsea, and made their home in Rock Port.

Danny sold Purina feed and raised hogs. He was employed as a carpenter for Marvin Freeman. In the 1980’s he started, owned and operated Cooper Construction where he worked until the present time. He was a hard worker and loved doing construction for the community.

As a young boy Danny loved his Grandpa Woody and spent a lot of time with him on the farm. He spent his teenage years doing ornery things with his buddies and you know who you are. Danny enjoyed riding horses, motorcycles, and dirt bikes. He loved classic cars and owned over 120 cars and trucks throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Danny passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, at Methodist Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 81.

Besides his parents, Danny was preceded in death by son in law, Darryl Bates. Survivors include wife, Sheila Cooper, Rock Port; children, Monica Bates, Jeff Cooper, both of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Chelsea Cooper, Rock Port; grandchildren, Samantha Cooper and Walton Cooper; siblings, Marcia (Carrol) Applegate, Inola, Oklahoma, Joni (Rick Leesley) Greene, Rock Port, and Mike (Lisa) Cooper, Rock Port; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.

Open visitation will begin 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 13, Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. There is no scheduled family visitation.

Interment: Linden Cemetery, Rock Port

Memorials: Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port Senior Center, or Linden Christian Church, all of Rock Port.

Arrangements: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.

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