George A Cooper

George A. Cooper, 76, of Phenix City, AL, formerly of Marion, IL, and Coon Rapids, MN, went to his eternal rest on Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. Francis-Emory hospital in Columbus, GA.

A visitation, with military honors, will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907. A memorial service is being arranged at a church TBD within Marion, IL in June, with a burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion.

George Albert Cooper was born Nov. 8, 1947, in Carbondale, IL, to Harry and Florence “Virginia” (Rikard) Cooper. As a child he was very close to his Grandma Rikard and his “family” of neighbors.  He graduated from Marion Senior High School and was a proud retired Navy veteran, completing his service in 1989. He went on to work for Colder Products Company in St. Paul, MN, until his full retirement, when he moved back “home” to Marion. He spent his final year with family at his son’s home in Phenix City.

George was part of the Marion Aldersgate Church community.  He loved to drive and would travel all over the country to visit family, often taking the "scenic route."  Summers would find him at the baseball field, having played the sport from his youth and later having volunteered as a coach and umpire director. Conversations with him would frequently include advice, trivia, and riddles. He was known for generously helping family, friends, and strangers without reservation and speaking kindly of his loved ones.

He is survived by his children, Anthony Cooper of Anoka, MN, Laurie (Peter) Lafferty of Waynesboro, VA, Allison Cooper of Buffalo, NY, Justin (Breana) Cooper of Phenix City, AL, and Erin (Michael) McCutchen of Ashland, WI; brother, William (Kathy) Cooper of Carterville, IL; sister, Gladys Springhart of Marion, IL; half brother, James David (Monica) Parris of Marion;13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, friends, and extended family members who he cared deeply about.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Stuart Benjamin Cooper; brothers, James Cooper and Charles Laverne Cooper; and sister, Linda Hardin.