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George Cooper Obituary
Cooper, George "Merrill" age 89. Life long resident of Orland Park. Beloved husband of Sally (nee Spitler) for 60 years, devoted father of Cynthia Thomson and Bruce Cooper, loving grandfather of Scott and Brian (Jamie) Cooper and great-grandfather of Brooklyn, brother of Floyd Cooper, dear son of the late Raymond and Adele Cooper. World War II Army Air Corps Veteran and proud member of American Legion Post 111 and 40/8. Prominent businessman owning M. Cooper Supply Co., from 1946 to 1998. Former owner of Cooper Furniture Co., Rocking Chair Lounge, A-1 Tours and Travel, Orland News Agency, "An Indiana Farmer", former board member of Lincoln Way Savings and Loan. Started his business career at age 17 owning and operating an ice cream parlor in Orland Park, at 143rd St. and Union Ave. Charter member of the Orland Park Rotary Club. Member of the Tinley Park Masonic Lodge #810, Elks Club, Moose Club, Phi Delta Kappa, Cook County Farm Bureau, Indiana Farm Bureau, Orland Park Zoning Board of Appeals for over 30 years, member of Century Club, PATA. World wide traveler having visited 162 countries. Visitation at the Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 14205 Union Ave. (1 Blk. N. of 143rd St. and S.W. Hwy.), Orland Park, Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service at the Orland Park United Methodist Church, 144th St. and West Ave., Orland Park, Monday, August 7, 2006, at 11 a.m. Interment Orland Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Center, 12700 S.W. Hwy., Palos Park, IL 60464 or the Orland Park United Methodist Church, 144th St. and West Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462, appreciated. 708-349-0111. 
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Memories and Condolences
for George Cooper
Rachel Bevins (great niece)
August 8, 2006
Uncle George always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye! Such a lovely man!! He had the best greetings for you(I don't think there was ever a time I walked into the room where he didn't make me feel special). I'll miss him very much...we'll all miss him very much.
john, irene and martin murphy
August 7, 2006
to a legend in his time....a man that touched so many, who gave our family shelter, literally back in the days before we had a basement, Merrill and Sally would open up their house to our family to come over whenever there was a tornado warning. It got so regular, we actually looked forward to the storms in order to go over and spend time with our dear friends. Our friend of 48 years will be truly missed. Love and prayers, Tweedie, John and Martin Murphy
Michael & Colleen Peery
August 7, 2006
One of the wisest and compassionate men I have ever known. Mr. Cooper has helped my family out & me many times. He helped me in my business when he owned Cooper Supply. One Sunday I needed some copper tubing to finish an emergency job. I had nowhere to buy it so I called him at home and told him I need some tubing. He said "no problem, meet me at the shop" I was able to finish the job. When my son lost his leg to cancer he had a benefit for him at the "Rocking Chair Lounge" and raised money to help out in my sons medical bills. He always asked me how my son was doing whenever I saw him. He also helped me have a luncheon at the "Rocking Chair" after my mother in laws funeral. He was always there for people when they needed a helping hand. He was a hero for my family many times. I will greatly miss seeing him around. God bless Mrs. Cooper, Bruce, and the rest of his family.
Dan Clover
August 5, 2006
What a wonderful neighbor. I haven't lived in Orland Park long enough to know of his historical significance. I'm just finding that out. But he certainly was a wonderful neighbor. I will miss him a lot. My prayers are with his family and the huge amount of friends that he leaves behind.
Barbara & David Foster
August 4, 2006
What a wonderful life! If you grew up in or around Orland, you knew -or at least knew of - Merrill and Sally Cooper! Our deepest sympathy to all the Cooper family at the loss of this very fine man, husband, and father. You'll be in our prayers.
Mike Carroll
August 4, 2006
A kind, giving man who will be missed by all!
Kevin Yahl
August 4, 2006
A great man who was always an inspiration and role model for the entire Orland Community
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