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John Phillip Cooper went home to be with the Lord on Saturday May 14, 2022, at age 92, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Phillip was born to Alfred and Clara Cooper on January 18, 1930, in San Angelo, Texas. He was raised and attended schools in Sonora, Texas. Upon commencement from Sonora High School, Phillip furthered his education at San Angelo Junior College, where he played tuba in the Ram Band.
In 1950, Phillip made the valiant and courageous decision to serve his country in the Korean Conflict by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country for eight years, which was a source of great pride and honor for him.
On July 4, 1960, Phillip met the love of his life, Katherine Jeannette Craig, at a dance in Rocksprings, Texas. They were married on November 19, 1960 in Uvalde, Texas, and moved to Sonora, where both Phillip and Jeannette faithfully served the Lord for many years at First Baptist Church.
In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband and father, Phillip worked as a barber, truck driver, and fuel salesman. He was known for excellence, going the extra mile for his customers, and helping others.
Phillip had an unwavering faith in Jesus, and his faith only grew stronger in the final years of his life. He ministered and witnessed to many people about the love and faithfulness of our Lord.
Phillip was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Cooper; mother, Clara Cooper; brothers Roy Cooper and Raymond Cooper; nephew, Stephen Cooper; and niece, Phyllis Cooper. Phillip is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette Cooper; daughter, Kelly Cooper; and sons, Craig and Mark Cooper.
He is also survived by his sisters and their husbands Donna & Richard Livensparger and RoyLesa & David Butts; his four nieces and their husbands, Debbie & Jimmy Kistler, Sally Cooper, Martha Ann Specht, and Alice Ruth & Laren Peters; Julie Cooper; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Phillip was loved by so many. His positive outlook, generous spirit, and kind heart left an impression wherever he went. He never met a stranger that didn't quickly become a friend; he always went out of his way to help anyone in need.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the person or organization of your own choosing.
