Obituary for Robert Wootz Cooper
Cooper, Robert W., “Coop,” 72, formerly of Oregon, OH, after working tirelessly for 14 years to recover from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Greystone Nursing & Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne, IN.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Robert L. Cooper, mother, Collene A. Jividen, foster father, Daryl Marks, and sisters, Rita Jones and Ernestine Hall. He is survived by his foster mother, Clara Marks of Onsted, MI, and her children, daughters, Michelle (Gabe) Alonzo of Huntertown, IN, and Rebecca (Sergio) Pecina of Fort Wayne, IN, grandchildren, Cierra, Gabriel, Isabelle, Jasmine, Cecilia and Manuel, and many nieces and nephews.
Born on March 30, 1946, in Gallipolis, OH, he lived most of his adult life in the Toledo area. He attended Waite High School and went on to a successful career in commercial food sales. It was this career path that led him to discover his culinary talent. He enjoyed cooking a good meal and was in his element hosting friends and family.
A member of Cooley Canal Yacht Club for many years, he was an avid fisherman, and, like all great fishermen, had a knack for telling a good story. When he wasn’t fishing or telling a tale, he enjoyed playing pool, listening to country music, spending time outdoors and watching his Buckeyes play football.
He was a loyal friend and an advocate for many, serving Toledo area youth by being a foster parent, and in recent years, sitting on the resident council at his nursing home. He was a man of integrity and wasn’t shy about voicing his opinion or standing up for what was right.
Nothing made him prouder than his family, and he was known for sharing his pride with anyone who would listen, often for the hundredth time; thank you to everyone who allowed him this simple pleasure. More than this pride, he loved his family fiercely and never let a phone call or visit end without telling them. He will be missed beyond measure.
He requested that a celebration of life be held in lieu of a funeral. Plans are under way for a spring date celebration; an announcement will be made prior. Those who wish to may make a memorial donation to Lutheran Life Villages’ “Rehab Program” www.lutheranlifevillages.org/donate. FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Wayne, Indiana is handling arrangements.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Robert L. Cooper, mother, Collene A. Jividen, foster father, Daryl Marks, and sisters, Rita Jones and Ernestine Hall. He is survived by his foster mother, Clara Marks of Onsted, MI, and her children, daughters, Michelle (Gabe) Alonzo of Huntertown, IN, and Rebecca (Sergio) Pecina of Fort Wayne, IN, grandchildren, Cierra, Gabriel, Isabelle, Jasmine, Cecilia and Manuel, and many nieces and nephews.
Born on March 30, 1946, in Gallipolis, OH, he lived most of his adult life in the Toledo area. He attended Waite High School and went on to a successful career in commercial food sales. It was this career path that led him to discover his culinary talent. He enjoyed cooking a good meal and was in his element hosting friends and family.
A member of Cooley Canal Yacht Club for many years, he was an avid fisherman, and, like all great fishermen, had a knack for telling a good story. When he wasn’t fishing or telling a tale, he enjoyed playing pool, listening to country music, spending time outdoors and watching his Buckeyes play football.
He was a loyal friend and an advocate for many, serving Toledo area youth by being a foster parent, and in recent years, sitting on the resident council at his nursing home. He was a man of integrity and wasn’t shy about voicing his opinion or standing up for what was right.
Nothing made him prouder than his family, and he was known for sharing his pride with anyone who would listen, often for the hundredth time; thank you to everyone who allowed him this simple pleasure. More than this pride, he loved his family fiercely and never let a phone call or visit end without telling them. He will be missed beyond measure.
He requested that a celebration of life be held in lieu of a funeral. Plans are under way for a spring date celebration; an announcement will be made prior. Those who wish to may make a memorial donation to Lutheran Life Villages’ “Rehab Program” www.lutheranlifevillages.org/donate. FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Wayne, Indiana is handling arrangements.