Richard A. Cooper Jr., age 81, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, April 2, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana.

     He was born October 13, 1937, in Gainesville, Texas, the son of Richard A. Cooper Sr. and Ola Mae (Watson) Cooper.  He married Ruth A. Miller on July 11, 1959, in St. Charles.

     Richard served in the U.S. Navy and was among the first enlisted personnel stationed in the Philippines.  He went on to a career working extensively in the aluminum extrusion industry and was sought-after for his engineering expertise.  He was asked to consult on a number of projects, and he and Ruth spent several years living in China while he worked on a manufacturing venture.  Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and after he retired he took up new interests including woodworking and making beautiful keepsake furniture, and often found the time to help friends and family with all kinds of mechanical and creative endeavors both large and small.

     He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Ruth Cooper of Flora; a son: Richard A. Cooper III (Deann) of Iuka; a daughter: Regina Bunning (Jerry) of Decatur; 5 grandchildren: Richard “Ric” A. Cooper IV (Dani), Danielle Marcum (David), Hayley Cooper, Jana Chamness, and Jessica Huskisson; 6 great-grandchildren: Andi, Bree, Owen, Emery, Madelyn, and Presley; a sister: Marjorie Barnett of Evansville, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; and 5 sisters: Lillian Marie Pyles, Bettie Jo Scott, Audra Mae Rosenberger, Patsy Ann Hord, and Mary Jeanette King.

A funeral ceremony will begin 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Visitation will be 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit www.frankandbright.com.