Bob Gene Cooper

Bob Gene Cooper, age 95, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023.  Bob was born on June 18, 1928 in Grove, Oklahoma to James Young and Eva Mae (DeWitt) Cooper.  He was the youngest of six children and grew up on the family farm outside of Grove. He graduated from Grove High School in 1946, where he played football and basketball for the Grove Ridgerunners and served as president of his senior class.  Bob worked in the wall board manufacturing industry for many years, primarily in shipping and receiving as a forklift operator and supervisor.  He worked in a number of plants in Oklahoma and Nevada until his job brought him to Florence, Colorado in 1956. 

It was in Florence that he met Carolyn Beavers and they were married in Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 13, 1961. Bob continued to make Florence his home until the time of his passing.  Bob was a loving and patient father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  In his younger years he enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and traveling back to Oklahoma to visit family and friends.  He loved caring for and driving his 1972 green GMC pickup and the two of them were well known throughout Florence.  Bob was a lifetime member of the Florence Elks Lodge #0611.   He was a loyal Denver Bronco and Oklahoma Sooner fan and forever proud of his “Okie” heritage. He took great pride in his yard, mowing, watering and carefully removing each dandelion himself until past his 91st birthday. As he grew older he most enjoyed time with his family, relaxing in his recliner with his dog Jazz by his side, drinking wine, and watching an endless stream of old westerns.  We will miss hearing the many stories of his life, growing up during World War II and the depression, and of the many friendships he made and experiences he had throughout his 95 years.

Bob is survived by his children Jerry (Joanne) Cooper of Pueblo West, Sharon (Tom) Giammaria of Herkimer, New York, Rhonda (George) Reichert of Florence, and Brenda (Tim) McKiernan of Florence.  Also surviving are grandchildren Joshua Cooper, Nicholas (Karen) Giammaria, Steven (Greta) Giammaria, Matt (Kara) Reichert, Colette (Nick) MacDonald, Kelsey (Corey) Marques, and Jacob (Kelsey) McKiernan.  In addition, Bob is survived by great-grandchildren Haley Martinez, Zachery Cooper, Isabella, Cooper and Luca Giammaria, Ryder and Amberlye Reichert, Liam and Brecken McKiernan, Evan Marques and baby Carter Marques expected in early November. Finally, his dog and constant companion Jazz.

Bob was preceded in death in 2020 by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Cooper. Also preceding him in death, infant children Terry Cooper and Denise Cooper, parents James Young and Eva Mae Cooper, three brothers, two sisters, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Union Highland Cemetery in Florence. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to are invited to make a donation to the Florence Volunteer Fire Department in Bob’s memory.

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