Ronald Joe Cooper

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie the Pooh Forever in my heart Ronald Joe “Ron” Cooper was born January 23, 1952 to Nowlin Nelson Cooper and Estelle Beatrice Lee Cooper in Clarksville, Texas, a small rural town located near Oklahoma border. He was one of eight children. His father was in the grocery business and owned his own grocery store. Ron’s mom was a domestic goddess. Ron was a very good student and had a high IQ. While in high school, he played football and excelled in sports. After high school graduation, he was called to serve his country and he voluntarily joined the United States Army. He was promoted to Sergeant and his method of service was Military Police and even served as a game warden for the Army. He later taught chemical warfare and how to survive chemical attacks to army recruits. While stationed at Fort Dix in New Jersey, he met the love of his life, Myrna Roberts in Brownsmill, New Jersey at a casual get together at Myrna’s sister, Janet’s home. They played a card game that night in which party goers made up their own rules. When Myrna won, Ron had to pay her a dollar and when Ron won, she had to give him a kiss on the check. Ron had been bitten by the love bug and boy was he smitten! He asked for her number and the next day, he swept Myrna off of her feet by buying her a dozen roses, taking her out to dinner and some festive dancing. That was the first date that would endure for the rest of Ron’s life. They were truly the loves of one another’s lives and their love story has left a lasting legacy. Together, they raised five children. Ronnie Jr.; Anna, Leigh, Daniel, and Regina. Children were always a constant in the Cooper household. Having a large family on a military budget was challenging, interesting and fun. Ron was deployed to a military base in Germany and he moved his young family on an overseas adventure. Upon Uncle Sam returning Ron to the United States, prior to the birth of their last child, the Cooper clan soon settled in San Antonio, Texas. Upon discharge from the military, Ron moved his family to several Texas towns before finally settling down in Huntsville, Texas. One thing for sure, Ron and Myrna were always very proud of their children and their many bonus children and the joys they brought into their home. Ron enjoyed being a father, but even more so, he enjoyed being a grandfather. His grandchildren lovingly called him Papa, as well as his many “bonus” grandkids. Ron loved with his whole heart and this really showed through his love of his grandbabies. Ron worked predominately in sales. He enjoyed watching old western movies. One of his greatest delights was cheering America’s Team, The Dallas Cowboys Football Team whenever they played. He truly was the team’s #1 Fan! Dallas Cowboy football was series business in the Cooper home. You could hear Ron giving plays at the top of his lungs with Myrna right beside him. He enjoyed it so much when his family would watch the games with him on television, but everybody knew NOT to interrupt the game!. After retirement, he evolved into Myrna’s house husband with bravado! Wow, could he cook!!! He enjoyed making special dinners for her when she arrived home from work! He would make the effort to clean their home just the way Myrna would have done it, with pride! Ron also enjoyed woodworking, tinkering and working in their beautiful yard. He could often be found working in the yard and making special wood projects for his sweet Love. He made Myrna beautiful planters for their yard and wooden benches that overlook the country landscape at their home in Huntsville. Ron embodied the attributes of a wonderful Father and Grandfather and he loved them all fiercely. Although work took up a lot of his time, he did what he could to spend time with them. He took his son’s target practicing, shooting old milk cartons to smitherines. He and Myrna attended his children’s sporting events to encourage them and taught them all a strong work ethic. His sons even worked with him and for him at the businesses that he owned. They had lots of good times at Ron’s Auto plex and Speedi Lube. His son Ronnie will never forget getting ready for those Midnight Madness Sales! He felt great pride and emotion, walking his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days, holding his grandkids when they were babies and comforting all of us during hardship. Ron’s words of wisdom were always SINCERE and his sense of humor was LEGENDARY! He always had a good joke to share. Ron loved adventure and would often take the kids and then later grandchildren on little road trips and sometimes some big road trips. Ron’s specialty was spoiling his grandchildren, after all, it was his way of letting them know they were special to him! There were Disney trips to Florida, McDonald restaurant runs (hidden from their parents), and cheddar cheese snacks for Elizabeth! He especially loved it when the grandkids came to visit him after he retired! He loved to tell tall tales about his younger years while he was in the military, his adventures in the woods with wildlife and of course, car talk! Ron was very fond of old Western movies and his grandkids could often be found hanging out in their Papa’s media room watching some good ole John Wayne movies and of course, talking about some Dallas Cowboy Football! Papa Ron may have left this earthly world, but there is no doubt that the legacy of memories he left behind will live on forever in all that loved and knew him. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Nowlin Nelson Cooper and Estelle Beatrice Lee Cooper; brother, Buddy Cooper and sister, Alice Cooper Reeves. Ron is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years, Myrna Cooper, Sons, Ronald “Ronnie” Cooper and daughter-in-law, Tonya Cooper; Daniel Cooper and daughter-in-law, Daphne Cooper; and daughters, Anna Murray and son-in-law Kerry Murray; Leigh Vaurigaud and son-in-law Joe Vaurigaud of Huntsville, Texas; and Regina Debutts and son-in-law, Jason Debutts of Pearland, Texas; and honorary daughter, Maria “Ree” Renshaw-Hubbard of Cleburne, Texas; sisters: Glenda Cooper Locher of Houston, Texas and Carol George of Texas; brothers: Andy Cooper of Eustace, Texas; Randy Cooper of Garland, Texas; and Ricky Cooper of Clarksville, Texas; and grandchildren: Sarah Countryman of Huntsville, Texas; Bailiy Smith of Brenham, Texas; Hailee Cooper of Austin, Texas; Elizabeth Smith of Huntsville, Texas; Megan Vaurigaud of Huntsville, Texas; Zachary Cooper of Montgomery, Texas; Hayden Cooper of Huntsville, Texas; Garrett Butcher of Huntsville, Texas; Zane Cooper of Montgomery, Texas; Christopher “Bubba” Vaurigaud of Huntsville, Texas; Brielle Debutts of Pearland, Texas; and soon to be great grandchild, Baby Lacey Evans, due in December 2020. “Bonus Grandchildren” include: Ashlen Jordan, Trevor Killingsworth, and Madison Caffee of Huntsville, Texas; Hannah Hubbard of Cleburne, Texas; James Hubbard of Huntsville, Texas; (Great Nieces) Brooklyn and Madison Lewis of Hooks, Texas; Cassie Clemmons and Nicholas Clemmons of Mission, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. **************************************************************************************************** Special Memories of Our Papa My life will never be the same. Papa, you are missed more than you will ever know. The first man to ever love me, the only man to never give up on me. Thank you for believing in me and always taking care of me. I love you, FOREVER… Sarah Countryman My Papa was one of the most intelligent, strongest, and considerate men I knew. If he had a dollar then that meant so did I! One of the things I will always remember about him is his love for McDonald’s. When I was in elementary school he knew when I was playing hooky and made my dad pick me up to take me to sleep at the shop. As soon as my dad would walk out to go back to work, Papa would tell me to go get in the truck to do “errands”. We would immediately go to McDonald’s where he would buy me all the chicken nuggets and ice cream I wanted. As I grew older and learned to drive myself, he would call me over to his desk in his room and hand me McDonald’s gift cards. He also had a sense of humor like no other, constantly reminding me that he was going to trade me in for a boy. There are a million things I could tell you about that man, but it will never add up to how great he truly was... Bailiy Smith My Papa was one of the strongest men I knew. He was brave, and he thought he was really funny. I’m not so sure on that one. He always told me he ran into a bear when he went walking through the woods. I had to pretend I believed him, but that’s okay because he always made sure he had a block of cheddar cheese for me in his fridge. One time he also told me he was going to buy me a bottle of ranch dressing for my Christmas present…He never did… Elizabeth Smith I have many wonderful memories of my Papa. I always loved the road trips we would take with my dad and him. I didn’t always know where we’re going, but I knew there would always be good food. He would always tell us about how he was going to trade us to the circus. The best thing I can tell you about my Papa is that as his grandchildren, he made sure our bellies were never empty and our hearts were always full. I will always love him and miss him. Hayden Smith I called him my Popper Whoopers… He hated that…He was a good person and he loved me unconditionally. He always would make up stories and usually he told me one every day. I would talk to him and he would say “One day, I was walking in the woods..” That always made me laught! He would always say to me “What’s up T.V.?” We would talk about everything! Just life in general really…the last words that he said to me were, “I love you and the baby..Make sure you take care of her.” I said, “ Yes sir..We love you too Papa.” I will cherish those words that he said to me forever… Megan Vaurigaud Papa was so funny. I remember all the cool stories he would tell about the times when he was a police officer while in the military. I will always treasure his MP hand cuffs he gave me and all the times he would come watch me play football. Garrett Butcher One of my favorite memories of my Papa is when I was really little and it was bedtime. He bounced me to sleep every night in his lap. It was the only way I would fall asleep. My Papa was my best friend and I'm so lucky to have had 15 years of his love and guidance. He helped shape me into the person I am today. My Papa loved me unconditionally even when I didn't have the best days. He will forever be the strongest man I have ever known… My Papa Chris Vaurigaud I remember my Papa Ron fondly. We would sit and talk and talk. We may not have seen each other often but I know he loved me. I’m going to miss him forever. Brooklyn Lewis Papa Ron was always cheerful and happy. His hugs were legendary! He would always give me the biggest hugs! Love you Papa! Madison Lewis My favorite memories of Papa were of the times we walked into the house. We would run straight to Papa and talk to him for 10-20 minutes about anything and everything under the sun~He always had time to talk with me. Madison Caffee I have great memories of going to Ganny and Papa’s house for sleep overs. Papa was always the life of the party, smiling, making jokes and making sure everyone was having fun. He always had a warm smile for you! Papa always considered my siblings and I his grandkids, even though we were not blood related. He always made me feel special in that way. Ashlen Jordan My Papa was one of the kindest and sweetest men I’ve ever known. If you ever needed anything and he knew you needed it, he was going to be sure to get you whatever it was that you needed. Papa always made time for me, even when he was busy. He would always ask how I was doing and make sure I was fed. Some of my favorite memories are from when we were in his TV room watching the old western movies. When I was little, I wasn’t really a big fan of the western movies, but eventually I came to love them because of Papa. Now, every time I see one, I think of him, especially the John Wayne movie, The Little Cowboys. As a bonus grandchild, I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Papa like the rest of his grandchildren did, but I will definitely cherish all the memories that I have with him and I will ALWAYS be grateful for him and Ganny loving me like one of their own. Hannah Hubbard Best times with Dad…There are many…Shooting guns in, I think it was Nolanville, Texas. We shot old milk cartons full of water. I remember working with him at Stateline mobile homes and getting ready for those “Moonlight Madness Sales”. I loved working on and riding the Triumph Spitfire with him and of course, him coming to my senior football game. I loved listening to his stories about his football days. Also, our times at Ron’s Autoplex and Speedi Lube when we weren’t busy. Not a good memory was when he and Uncle Randy watched as the lift slipped off the engine hoist and hit me. The jolt threw me into the wall and Dad rushed me to the hospital. He and I were sitting in the waiting room at the ER and I remember telling him, “I think I’m good” and we left. I STILL have that indention on my bone! One of my greatest memories is obviously seeing him LOVE his grandkids… All of them. He did LOVE his grandkids! Ronnie Cooper, Jr. Dad always had a way of making everyone feel special. It was just his way. When I was a little girl, Dad would often bring me home a little gift. Then I got wise and asked him to bring me something every day. Of course, he did! He made a point to give me something every single time he came home from work. I will always cherish the fun times we had while we were living overseas in Germany. He would often load up all of us kiddos and take us for rides in his Military Jeep. Another fond memory I have is when I was very young, I had a special baby doll I would carry around. I took her everywhere, even to restaurants. Dad would even get my dolly a highchair and Mom and Dad would order her food so she could eat with us at the restaurant. Anna Murray My father was a man who had smiles to brighten your days. He always made you feel good with his warm words of praise. Even more, he had ways to make your wishes come true. He was my father, my children's Papa and in December, he will be a Great Papa to his 1st great grandchild, Lacey. She will be so lucky to have him as her guardian angel. My father was someone who told good stories…my favorite is when he told all the grandchildren, “This one time, I went into the woods and there was this Bear.” LOL. The story never went any further, that was it and that's why it is my favorite. As the grandkids got older, he still told them he went into the woods and then they would finish with “and you saw a bear.” Most importantly, he was a good listener.as well. He was patient and kind and the best friend you could ever hope for. He was no ordinary man and I'm glad that he was chosen to be my father. Leigh Vaurigaud Today, August 1, 2020, I said goodbye to the GREATEST MAN I’ve ever known. I count myself blessed to have been lucky enough to have him as a father. I am only the man I am today because of the love, advice, guidance and example that you provided me with. I hope you know that I will always cherish the time I had with you. I will always love you Dad! Dan Cooper If I could get another chance, another call, another visit, another hug, I’d have the longest talk we’ve ever had and it would never end. I’d spend every moment by your side, chatting, laughing and looking into your beautiful eyes. I’d put my arms around you and never let you go. My heart aches for you today, tomorrow and forever. My heart is full because of you…Your LOVE, your LAUGHTER and OUR MEMORIES. I LOVE you Daddy. Gina Debutts Papa Ron was one of a kind. I will always remember his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. I first met Myrna and Ron when I was a college student at Sam Houston State and I worked for Myrna at Wal-Mart. The Cooper clan adopted me. I ate plenty of meals at their table and took lots of good naps on their sofa. There was lots of love in that house for sure and would often think how lucky the Cooper kids were to have such awesome parents. My own father died unexpectedly when I was 15 and I was so thankful that Papa Ron helped me when I got ready to buy my first new car. He helped me navigate at the Nissan dealership in Huntsville where he was working at the time and he got me a great deal on a shiny red pickup truck. He would always remind me to get my oil changed and give me good advice. He always had a funny story to tell me or a joke. He could sure put a smile on your face! I will always cherish the fun birthday parties, weddings, and family get togethers that we were always included in, especially for my children…grandparent moments are truly treasured memories. Papa, your Legacy of Love will live on forever. Thank you for always being there when we needed you and for loving my babies like your own. Our hearts are full….. Ree Hubbard Hailee said she remembers how Papa would always post things on Facebook and showing support for everything she did! Zach remembers talking about the Dallas Cowboys every time we came over. Zane remembers sitting with papa in his chair and listening to us all talk. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com

Ronald Joe Cooper

January 23, 1952 - August 1, 2020