Col. Leroy "Lee" Cooper

Col. Leroy "Lee" Cooper, 80, of Hot Springs, passed away Monday 1 Nov, 2010. He was born Oct 15 1930 in Lakewood, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Homer, Sister Janette and grandchildren John and Baby Nickijo. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandra; two sons and daughters in law SMSgt Lee and Kirsten Cooper and Lt Col Brad and Valerie Cooper; daughter Bonnie Ramsey; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeff, Cassandra, Kristy and Madison; three great-grandchildren and his brother George and wife Eleanor; caregivers Bob Graves and Linda Visser. He devoted 36 years in the military beginning in 1951. He earned over 22 military awards and decorations, including three Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit. A Command Pilot with 10,000 flight hours and over 60 combat missions in Vietnam. Lee was an active member of the Order of Daedalians, AFA, and Republican Party. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Gross Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Gross Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Arkansas Hospice 628 Malvern Ave. Hot Springs AR. 71901. Guests may register at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.