John Clinton Cooper

John Clinton Cooper, born on November 4, 1921 in Indian Ford, FL, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. John was preceded in death by his parents Erby D. and Beda Ann, his son Richard Daniel, sister and brothers, Phyllis Andrews, Erby Alga, Donnell, and Billy Joe, and son-in-law, James R. Jones M.D. He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene, who has shared almost 68 years of marriage with him, his children Patricia (Thomas) Patti, Priscilla Jones, Clinton (Michelle), and Paula (Patrick) Pulaski, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who deeply mourn his loss. As eldest son, John left high school after his father died to work and help support his mother and siblings. After World War II was declared, he enlisted in the US Navy and was immediately deployed to Pearl Harbor and six months later fought in the Battle of Midway. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he was employed by the Pensacola Naval Air Station. His department was instrumental in the creation of the first capsule flotation ring for our astronauts. He retired as a Planner and Estimator in 1977. John, or Clinton, as he was also called, was a thinker and a doer. He displayed quiet strength, dry humor, a kind heart, and a sense of fun. He modeled life-long learning, advancing himself through personal commitment. He devoted many hours of service to the community. He was a charter member of the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Department. He also gave his time and effort to St. Mary Catholic Church, including serving as Chaplain of their Boy Scout Troop. John was a long-time member of the Hadji Temple. He was gratified to assist in the escort of many children to the Shriners Hospital for Children. He also was a member and volunteered for Zelica Grotto. He relished adventure and loved anything with wheels and a big motor. He won competitions as a member of the original ”Dust Busters”, who raced stock cars at the Pensacola Motor Speedway when it was a dirt track and continued when they were incorporated with Nascar. He was a member of the Pensacola Navy Flying Club. He enjoyed maintaining the planes, flying joy rides over the beach with family and friends, and piloting cross-country to visit relatives. He was a proud member of the Shriners Motorcycle Escort Unit and with his team won many trophies. From the day he retired, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Charlene, both by car and motorcycle. They explored every state except Vermont in the United States, every province of Canada, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. It was a good life. The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to the caring and loving staff of The Haven of Our Lady of Peace for their devoted care for the last 5 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations earmarked for research to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090, or alz.org. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola FL with a scripture reading at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Friday, September 13, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 Van Pelt Lane, with Reverend Dominic Phan Sa and Reverend Eugene Pathe concelebrating. Burial will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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John Clinton Cooper

November 2, 1921 - September 7, 2013