Our beloved father, Ernest Leland Cooper "Coop", 86; passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, November 9, 2011.

He was born on November 30, 1924 in Neoga, Illinois to Daniel A. and Grace Frick Cooper.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941. He landed on Omaha Beach DD+1 and served with Patton's 3rd Army. He was very proud that his artillery unit knocked down 12 enemy bombers. He was also involved with the liberation of POW camps and was a guard over SS troops. The things that he saw there left a haunting impression on him for the rest of his life.

He was an accomplished tool and die maker and mold maker during his work career. He had many friends that stayed in contact with him for his entire life. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a very kind, loving man.

Ernest married Myrtle York in 1947. They had three wonderful children. "Coop" and Myrtle were later divorced.

He married Patricia, (Pat) in 1978. They lived in Oregon for over 30 years. He was very close to her two sons whom he loved as his own. "Coop" and Pat loved boating, traveling and being with their family. After her death, he moved to Grace, ID to be near his son Mark. In the 2 1/2 years he's lived there, many family members came to visit, called and wrote to him. Everyone who knew him loved him. He will be missed terribly, but we are so grateful for the years we had him.

Coop's family would like to thank Dr. Weber, Caribou Memorial Hospital and Access Hospice for their loving care. We also want to thank people in Grace who also showed their love and concern to us and our dear father.

Coop was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, 2 sisters and his wife.

He is survived by five children, Susan (Ernest) Morales of Fallbrook, CA; Daniel (Melanie) Cooper of Nashville, TN; Michael (Lisa) Pageler of Scapposse, OR; John (Melanie) Pageler Jr. of Tampa, FL; Mark L. (Phyllis) Cooper of Grace, ID; and 12 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Services and burial will be at a later date in Portland, Oregon.