John Cooper

John Russell Cooper passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021. Friends and family will gather to celebrate his 74 years of life at the home of Michelle Evitt on Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please reach out to Michelle for address details.On December 23, 1946, John was born to the late Evelyn and Merlin “Chick” Cooper in Lubbock, TX. John attended Lubbock High School where he graduated in 1965. After graduation, he attended Texas Tech University before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam as an Aircraft Mechanic on the USS Constellation. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars. After one year he returned home and married Susan Joiner on April 11, 1969. He continued to serve in the Navy for 30 years in the reserves.After completion of his active-duty military service, he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad as a conductor for many years, while also completing his studies at Texas Tech University. He graduated with a Bachelors in Agriculture Business. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and anything outdoors. His favorite place to be was at his ranch in Plains, Texas.Survivors include his children, Michelle Evitt and Russell Cooper; granddaughter, Hannah Evitt; his sister-in-law, Paula Joiner; his nieces and nephews, Dawne and Brian Franks, Robby Joiner, Holly Latham, and great-nieces, Vanessa Latham, and Lola Latham. He was preceded in death by father, Merlin Cooper; mother, Evelyn Cooper; Susan Cooper; and brother-in-law, Bobby Joiner.