Mr. John Randolph Cooper peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, March 3, 2013, at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia, after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 84 years of age and the last of his immediate family.

John was born in Brunswick, Maryland, on August 17, 1928, to the late Florence O. Palmer Cooper and William I. Cooper. He was the husband of Ann L. Henderson Cooper (North Hampton, Frederick, Maryland). Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were married May 14, 1955, and were long-time residents of Petersville, Maryland.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict receiving the Korean Service Medal with 2-Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Award, and he was honorably discharged in January 1953. John was employed with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Ft. Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, and retired from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Poolesville’s campus in November 1990.

He was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Brunswick, Maryland, and before his illness, faithfully served as a Deacon. He was also a member of the Fredericktonian Lodge #12 of the Masons as well as a member of the Sherman Lowry Post # 10421 of the VFW.

John was lovingly known as “JR,” “Tune,” “Pick-up man,” “Pop-Pop,” “Pap” and “Granddad,” and thoroughly enjoyed the lifelong friendships he made. He enjoyed going to the Charlestown Race Track, and rabbit hunting with his rabbit dogs. He will be remembered for his gift of gab and his sense of humor. John had a great love for family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Cooper leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory: three children; Vanessa L. Williams, Petersville, Maryland, Rudolph “Rudy” J. Cooper, Frederick, Maryland, and Velva A. Cooper, Walkersville, Maryland. He also leaves three granddaughters, Latoya Smothers, Brittany Williams, and Sharron Hunt. He was the proud great-grandfather of Michael and Devonte Williams, Armani and Josiah Gloston. He is survived by one sister-in-law, Clarice Henderson, Burkittsville, Maryland, and several nieces and nephews. He will be remembered fondly by many other family members and friends, including the families of Earl (Bud) and Kaye Coates and Larry and Annie Brown.

John was predeceased by two sons, Randolph “Tiggy” I. Cooper and Ricky J. Cooper.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Brunswick, Maryland.

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