Lee Cooper

Lee Cooper (Colonel -- USAF, retired), died Tuesday Sept. 16, 2014, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He was born in Montevallo, Mo., on Feb. 14, 1935, the son of Herbert B. Cooper and Mildred O. Cooper. He was survived by his wife, Kathy, of the home; son, Brian Cooper, of Key West, Fla.; and daughter, Lisa Jackson, and two sons of Marietta, Ga. He is also survived by brothers, Royal O., of Jefferson City, Mo., and Ray, of Jacksonville, Fla.; a niece, Mindy Barringer; and nephews, Chris and Tim Cooper. He had several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He moved to Nevada, Mo., and graduated from Nevada High School in 1953. He joined the United States Air Force in 1955, and trained on fighter planes. The USAF sent him to Arizona State University and he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He served in Vietnam War, flying C-130 and L-19. He left service in 1972, and joined the Florida Air Guard. He loved cars and planes.

He belonged to First Baptist Church, in Nevada; Sons of American Revolution; the Military Order of Stars and Bars; and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack.

A memorial service is planned at Barrancas National Cemetery, in NAS Pensacola, Fla.