Gary Allen Cooper

Gary Allen Cooper, the son of Charles Edward and Verna Mae (Halbrook) Cooper, was born June 19, 1938. He was born and raised in Salem, Missouri. Gary graduated from Salem High School with the class of 1956. After graduating he enlisted into the Army National Guard and served faithfully for six years until his honorable discharge. On September 7, 1957, Gary was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Verna Tune. They shared sixty-eight years creating a lasting legacy built on faith, family, and love. Gary and Verna were blessed with three children: Kim, Gary John, and Tammy. Gary was a jack of all trades and hard worker. He started his working career helping his father with Cooper House Moving until his brother Johnny took over, then continued working with him for several years. He has also worked at the International Shoe Company and as a lineman with the City of Salem. He was a handyman and also enjoyed carpentry work. Gary retired as the Salem First Baptist Church custodian after fifteen years of dedication. Gary was a family man and valued making memories with them. They enjoyed camping at Table Rock Lake, Alley Springs, and Branson, and took several vacations with their camper. He loved to hunt deer, rabbit, squirrel, and went to Colorado to hunt elk. Spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was his favorite thing to do as well as having friends over visiting and playing cards. In his spare time, he kept himself busy working on his property, maintaining his yard, picking the cherry trees, cutting wood, and going on tractor rides. His favorite dessert was homemade cherry pies along with vanilla ice cream. In his later years he loved watching westerns and the Andy Griffith Show. Gary was a man of great faith and longtime member of Salem First Baptist Church. Throughout the years he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, RA teacher, bus driver, and choir member. He was also a part of the nursing home ministry and mission trips. Gary was blessed with a talented voice and sang in the church quartet as well as duets with his wife. Gary entered his Heavenly Home November 11, 2025, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years. Those left behind to treasure his memory are his loving wife: Verna Cooper of Salem, MO; children: Kim Cooper of Salem, MO, Gary John Cooper and wife Gabby of Fairview Heights, IL, and Tammy Barrett and husband Mark of Andover, KS; sister: Beverly Millsap and husband Eugene of Salem, MO; sister-in-law: Patsy Cooper of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Robert Cooper and wife Sally Jo, Matthew Cooper, Andrew Cooper and wife Courtney, Brett Barrett, and Aaron Barrett; great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Vivian, Wallace, and Amelia; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: Charles and Verna (Halbrook) Cooper; infant sister: Barbara Sue Cooper; and brother: Johnny Cooper. Through his unwavering faith, witnessing, and servants heart, Gary has touched countless lives. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit and compassionate heart. He will be forever missed. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Gary Cooper to the Salem First Baptist Church for Missions and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Leave the family a condolence or share a memory on his tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Gary Allen Cooper

June 19, 1938 - November 11, 2025