Duran Duke Cooper

Duran Duke Cooper, 94, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on March 5, 2005 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 15, 1910 in Winnsboro, Texas to Samuel Elmer and Cora Morgan Cooper. His family worked as migrant farm workers during the depression, traveling to Abilene and Colorado City to pick cotton. They later moved to Dodge to be near his mother’s family. He attended school in the Dodge School District. Duran joined the United States Army in 1942. He met and married his wife Lorene E. Niederhofer in the small community of Pine Valley, just southeast of Huntsville. They were married on December 24, 1945 and built a house in Walker County where they raised a family. Duran continued to live in this home for the entirety of his life. He was a carpenter by trade and was influential in the construction of several well known Huntsville buildings including the prisoner of war camp on Highway 19, which later became the Country Campus; the home of Dr. Ray Black, which is now better known as the American Bank building on 11th Street; the original Huntsville Funeral Home chapel; and innumerable homes throughout Walker County. He retired in 1976, but continued to do part-time carpentry work for the Ginsel Brothers while also taking care of his grandchildren. Duran was a devoted husband, father and loving grandfather. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 59 years, Lorene Cooper; his children John Cooper and wife Virginia, Clarence Cooper and wife Ronda and Suzanne Stuckey, all of Huntsville; his grandchildren: Jeana Stuckey Kelly of Houston, Kyle Stuckey of Louisville, KY, Julie Stuckey of Los Angeles and Clark Driver and wife Aleta and great grandchildren: Nathan, Paige, Ruby and Toby all of Clark, WY; and “adopted grandchildren” Spencer and Slaton Savoy of Iola, TX. He is also survived by his sister Ercel Lucas of San Augustine, TX and various other family members that will miss him dearly. Duran took pleasure in helping those around him, gardening, camping, loving and caring for his grandchildren and working on various projects around the house. He will be remembered and loved by the many people whose lives he touched. He was kind, honest, filled with integrity and was always there to lend a hand. He was a man that we should all aspire to be like. He had a wonderful spirit and will be missed more than words could ever express. Duran will lie in state from 2:00pm – 8:00pm on Sunday, March 6, 2005 at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2005, at 2:00pm in the chapel of the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Reagan Cooksey. Interment will follow the service at the Black Jack Cemetery. Pallbearer’s are Kyle Stuckey, Rusty Kelly, Sean Brogdon, Gilbert Lucas, Wesley Rasbeary and James Murff. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Black Jack Cemetery Association, c/o J.J. Head, 43-B Pine Ridge Lane, Huntsville, Texas 77340, in memory of Duran Duke Cooper. Memorial condolences may be made online at www.shmfh.com.

Duran Duke Cooper

July 15, 1910 - March 7, 2005