Bobby Gene Cooper, 83, of Denton, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2013, at Denton Regional Medical Center. He was born on July 13, 1930, in Brownwood, Texas, to Reverend James Maloy Cooper and Rosa Pridemore Cooper. He married the love of his life, Martha June Rogers, in Ozona, Texas, on July 16, 1950. The Coopers celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last July. Mr. Cooper served in the Army during the Korean War until his discharge in 1953, as a Corporal. He was a deacon, serving most recently at Southside Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas, and was a member of the Lions Club. Mr. Cooper and his wife had a long legacy of Christian service working with youth and families. He began his work as Administrator of Pine Mountain Children's Home in Georgia; served on the mission field at the Ute Indian Reservation in Roosevelt, Utah; served as Administrator of Toutle River Boy's Ranch in Toutle River, Washington; was Administrator of Methodist Home Boy's Ranch in Waco, Texas, for 10 years; was Administrator of Miracle Farm in Brenham, Texas, for over 12 years, founded Hidden Springs Ranch with benefactor, Doug Keisewetter, in Elkhart, Texas, (outside Palestine, Texas), and retired in 1999. Mr. Cooper touched countless lives during his years of selfless service to others. He was an humble, Christian man of great character and integrity; a gentle, sweet soul who will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.



A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013, at 2:15 p. m. at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.



Mr. Cooper is survived by his wife, June; his children: son, Terry Gene Cooper and wife, Monya; daughter, Cheryl Lynn Cooper; son, Bobby Mark Cooper; foster daughter, Marie Niemi and husband, Kelly; 3 grandchildren: Andrea Cooper Dizon and husband Alfred, Jennifer Leigh Garcia, and Jessica Lynne Garcia; 2 great-grandchildren: Braxton Tate Longoria, and Harper Riley Cantrell; sister, Sybil Cooper Hedrick and husband, Cecil "Jake"; along with numerous other family members, including cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, J. Frank Cooper and James Maloy Cooper, Jr.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital - Mr. Cooper's favorite charity.