Bobby Cooper

Bobby Linwood Cooper passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord on April 7, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born to Linwood Darnell and Lillian (Baskin) Cooper on July 20, 1928, in Aransas Pass, Texas. He graduated from Ingleside High School in 1945 where he was in the band and participated in all sports, especially tennis where he excelled. He then went on to Waco to Baylor University graduating in 1945. He married his wife of 72 years, Betty Jo Johnson, in November of 1949. They started their life in Bishop where he coached and taught chemistry before moving to Kingsville where he was employed by Celanese Chemical Company. He began his lifelong dream of dentistry, attending the Baylor University College of Dentistry in Dallas. Upon graduation in 1957, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. After serving two years active duty, he returned to Kingsville where he continued his military career through the Air Force Reserves for the next 30 years. He was with the 433rd Troop Carrier Wing in San Antonio, retiring as a Colonel. Not only was he proud to serve in the Air Force, but he was also proud to serve the residents of the Kingsville area as a dentist for 50 years. His co-workers and patients meant the world to him, and he loved them dearly. While living in Kingsville, he served on the Kingsville I.S.D. Board for many years, along with being on the Board of Directors of First Texas Savings Association of Kingsville. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member. He also had a passion for many other Kingsville organizations that were important to him and the community. In his leisure time, he enjoyed working cattle on his land with his father and others, as well as attending many H.M. King High School and Texas A&I University sporting events.

Bobby was a man of unwavering faith, devotion, and love, shown not only by example, but shared freely with family, friends, and strangers. Everyone he met could see that he was a man of God, not only through his words, but also by his actions. He always kept his eyes upon Jesus during his long walk on this earth, gifting that knowledge to all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Linwood Darnell and Lillian Cooper.

Bobby is survived by his wife Betty and his three daughters: Debra Hughes (Stephen), Dana Strubhart (Anthony) and Lisa Malesky (David). Five grandchildren: Jennifer Borderud (Josh), Adam Hughes, Lindsey Muennink (Cody), Laura Tesch (Derek) and Allison Klar (Cody). Four great grandchildren: Russell Cooper (R.C.) Borderud, Lillian (Lillie) Borderud, Caesen Klar and Carson Tesch.

Pallbearers include Stephen Hughes, Anthony Strubhart, David Malesky, Adam Hughes, Josh Borderud, Cody Muennink, Derek Tesch and Cody Klar.

Honorary pallbearers are Mark Johnson, Rodney Johnson, Shermie Allen, Bill Arnold, Jerry Bennett, Frank Irby, Pat Ketcham and Rollin Smith.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Turcotte Piper Mortuary from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at the First Baptist Church of Kingsville on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: First Baptist Church of Kingsville, 312 W. King Avenue, Kingsville, Texas 78363.

South Texas Children’s Home at STCH Ministries, P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, Texas 78104-1210