Donald Lee “Don” Cooper, age 89, passed away on March 11, 2026.
Donald Lee “Don” Cooper, age 89 of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 11, at his home.
He was born April 14, 1936 in Shell Knob, the son of Arl and Ida (Whisman) Cooper. On December 17, 1960 in Granby, Missouri he was united in marriage to Sonja Sanders, who preceded him in death on November 22, 2024. Also preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Penny Cooper Bailey.
Surviving are his son, Russell Arl Cooper of Shell Knob; daughter, Julia Donetta Cooper Riggs and husband John of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister, Arlene Garland and husband Sanford of Shell Knob; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Don graduated from Cassville High School with the Class of 1954 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, he devoted 28 years to protecting and serving others as a firefighter with the North Kansas City Fire Department until his retirement. While working as a firefighter, he also ran his own business pouring concrete, as well as helping his mom run her farm whenever time would allow. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing stock cars. He and Sonja enjoyed square dancing through the years, and he was so proud of the matching outfits Sonja would sew for them, and that they had traveled to all 50 states. After retirement from North Kansas City Fire Department, he moved back to Shell Knob and became a full-time cattle farmer. He was a member of Lohmer Full Gospel. Don will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Lohmer Full Gospel in Shell Knob. Pastor David Donaldson will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be at Painter Cemetery in Shell Knob, Missouri.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Monday at Lohmer Full Gospel in Shell Knob.
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FOHN FUNERAL HOME
Cassville, Missouri
417-847-2141
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