R. Gene Cooper

R. Gene Cooper, age 80, of Richville, Ohio, died peacefully Tuesday night, May 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 23, 1936 in Harman, West Virginia, and was the son of  the late Glenn Sr. and Viola Marshall Helmick. He was raised by the late Harris and Bertha Cooper at Harman. Additionally, he was preceded in death by a son Michael Cooper, a daughter, Kim Cooper-Friedrich, two sisters Mary and Frances, and his twin brother, Troy D. Cooper.

He retired in 1994 as a maintenance employee of the Timken Company at Canton after 35 years of service.  He also served as an auxiliary deputy for the Stark County Sheriff's Office for 15 years. He was a member of the NRA, the Navarre Farm and Game Association, the Stark County Gun Collectors, and a social member of the Navarre V.F.W. Post # 5047.  He was an enthusiastic hunter and also enjoyed gardening.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends. 

He is survived by  his wife Peggy Lee Ott Cooper, whom he married February 14, 1994 in Las Vegas, Nevada,  two step-daughters Leslie Davis of Massillon, O. and Julie Davis of Canton, O., a brother, Glenn Helmick, Jr. of Youngstown, O., his ten grandchildren  Mrs. Angel (Jody) Jones of Newcomerstown, O.,  Dustin McDonald of Dayton, O.,  Amanda Cooper  and Adrian Cooper, both of Canton, Chelsea,  Brittany, and  Ethan Friedrich, all of Massillon, Sierra Davis and Chance O'Neill, both of Canton, and Natalie Davis of Massillon, six great-grandchildren, a son-in-law Ken Friedrich of Massillon, a number of nieces and nephews including Pat (Alice) Cooper of Sherrodsville, O., and his beloved cat, Tommy.

Gene will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 17, 2017 in The Way Christian Church, 18323 Dover Road, Dundee, Ohio with Rev. Jody L. Jones officiating.  The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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