Robert Cooper “Bob” MSgt USAF (Ret)
December 5, 1938 – August 17, 2022
Age 83
Bob served in the USAF for 20 years where he was an aviation electrician and a Vietnam Veteran. Following his military retirement, he worked at MWR at Offutt and the Boathouse at the Base Lake. He graduated from Bellevue University and worked at the Army Corps of Engineers in the Contracting Division where he retired.
Bob volunteered in the community as a Noblemen. Those African American male role models greeted children every Wednesday morning at Kennedy Elementary School in North Omaha. They brought extra smiles to the normal festive Wednesday atmosphere in Kennedy’s entryway, when the Noblemen lined up in blue polo shirts to greet the arriving children. Each year they also pooled their resources and gave something to meet a school’s needs. One school year the Noblemen purchased several violins and collected donations of more instruments for the students to participate in instrumental music classes. Their efforts were featured in the Omaha World Herald, January 25, 2013.
He was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver and St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church.
Bob, a kind hearted gentleman, devoted husband, loving father and dependable friend who had a welcoming smile, will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Preceded in death by his parents James and Mary Cooper; 7 brothers and sisters.
Survived by his wife of 59 years Joyce; son Robert Bryan; daughter Monica Cooper Hubbert (Eric); sisters Ruth Atkins of Hartford, CT, Janie Burgess (Mack) of Cades, SC; brothers Clif Cooper (Elizabeth) and Harry Cooper both of Nesmith, SC; brother-in-law Edward Pressley of Nesmith, SC; granddaughters Marissa and Amber; 6 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; close friends Sallie Allen, Isaiah “Ike” and Marie Edwards; godsons Nuru Allen and Thomas Jenkins; and numerous friends.
Visitation: Monday, August 22, 5:00-6:30 p.m., with Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel.
To view video of the Vigil Service, click the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/view/robert-cooper-bob-qknmdsjyznpmnkydfiea
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, August 23, 11:00 a.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford Street, Bellevue.
To view video of the Mass, click the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/view/robert-cooper-bob-b5m9sosvredat603klw7
Interment: Tuesday, August 23, 1:00 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery
Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church.
19 Comments
Bob, there is my time, your time and GOD’s time….YOU WILL BE MISSED !!!
Thank you, Uncle Paul! We love you!
No better uncle, mentor, or man has the family ever seen than this USAF airmen. Your calmness to any situation will be missed. Thank you for your service to our country and our family.
Thank you for these kind words.
Uncle bob, i remember you coming down to my grandmothers house and we instantly connected. I tried following you all over the house, and didn’t want you to leave my sight. I love all my uncles, but you definitely became a favorite of mine easily. You were so kind hearted, and loving man. I’m very saddened to hear about your passing. You will forever be in my heart. 💔
This is very sweet. Thank you.
1 of the most favorite uncles a nephew could ever want. R.I.P. 🙏 Uncle Bob
Love you, Dana!
Joyce, Monica, Brian-
May God continue to uplift Uncle Bob and his family in their time of bereavement. My Uncle was the best in my heart! I will always remember him for his loving, kind, and gentle ways.
with much love,
rest in peace
Love you all,
Tinnie
Brian I’m for your loss my prayers are with you and your family
Mr. Cooper was always quick to smile and so very kindhearted. There isn’t enough time to share all the ways he impacted me growing up…to this day his words hold true. He will be missed.
We remember the good times. We were dinner partners on that cruise and we have the picture to remind us. Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace Bob. Joyce and family, you are in our prayers 🙏
Uncle B, you gave the best hugs, your smile lit up a room and your voice commanded respect. There’s not a day that will go by that I won’t think about you and all of the love you gave. Auntie Joyce, Monica & Brian, sending all of my love and praying🙏🏽 for God’s love, comfort, strength and peace for all of you! I know I can’t do much from CT but please know I’m here if you/ya’ll need me! LOVE YOU ALL!!🥰😘💜
To Joyce and Children, My prays and thoughts are with you may God bless you , Bob was a very good friend and will truly be missed.
When I first move to Nebraska and started going to St. Benedict I met Mr. & Mrs. Cooper (Bob and Joyce) and they took me in like a son. I spent many days at there house. They supported me as if I was there own child with everything thing that happened in my life. I lost my father a few years ago and now I have lost another father. Br1an and Monica I know your pain, but your father was a great man and will truly be missed. My heart is broken and I’m sorry I can’t be there to celebrate his life with everyone.
Rochair and Kay
My Uncle Bob was the first uncle I really knew. I can remember visits as a child when Monica and I spent a lot of time being daddy’s girls. I wish you as much comfort as possible during this time. He was a genuine, loving, funny, kind man who will be missed by many. Sending my love and prayers. You are in my thoughts.
As I raise a toast (taste) to Mr. Cooper, MSgt Copper, Coop, Uncle Bob, Coop de Loop, I can see his smile and gentle disposition. I can remember the feeling of safety and security that if anything happened at Peter Saroyan elementary school or while I was doing some shenanigans at the base lake, if I found Mr. Coop everything was going to be alright.
I met Bob as a result of me working in the Corps of Engineers H.R. Office. Upon first meeting I immediately recognized his kind, gentle nature and what struck me as quiet confidence and an ‘inner peace’. . Although we had minimal contact with each other during our Corps employment, each encounter reinforced that initial impression – a classy, top-shelf guy, truly a gentleman, no doubt about it. My condolences to family and friends.
Ed and I will always remember the fun times that we spent together whenever you, Joyce and the kids were stationed at Andrews AFB, in Maryland. You were as smart and funny as you were handsome, and you also had a heart of gold. We will miss you and will cherish all of the wonderful memories that you left us with. Joyce, Monica and Brian will be in our prayers as they learn to live without your physical presence. You are now their Angel!
Add Comment