Charles Everett Cooper Jr.

Charles Everett Cooper Jr., 79, of North Vernon, passed away at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021, at Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus.

Born June 16, 1942, in Butlerville, he was the son of Charles Everett Cooper Sr. and Ruth M. Kiser Cooper. He married Josephine Ann “JoAnn” Marksberry on December 27, 1960, in North Vernon; she preceded him in death on August 13, 2021.

Charles graduated from North Vernon High School on May 19, 1960 and retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force in 1984 after serving 23 years. During his time in the service, Charles received the following: AF Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Organizations Excellence Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Good Conduct Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster,  National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Device and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his retirement from the Air Force, he went to work as a supervisor for the Dolly Madison Bakery. Charles was a member of Queensville Community Church, he was a Past Master of Okaloosa Lodge #312, F.&A.M. and Past Patron of Niceville Chapter #254, Order of the Eastern Star, both in Niceville, Florida. He enjoyed cookouts, family time, hunting, farming, and playing euchre.

He is survived by son, Bill (Teresa) Cooper of North Vernon; daughter, Tammy (Jeff) Ison of North Vernon; brother, Bob (Sandy) Starkey of Georgia; sisters, Kate Meyer of Commiskey and Barb Shepherd of North Vernon; grandchildren, Cynthia (Chris) Eaton, Crystal (Jonah) Cooper, Elizabeth (Scott) Chastain and Daniel (Jessica) Ison, all of North Vernon, Christopher (Stevi) Cooper of Scipio and Chasity (Mike) Norris of Queensville; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brother, Jim Cooper; sister, Brenda McGovern; and great-grandson, Braden Eaton.

A funeral service for both Charles and Josephine will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, August 27, 2021, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with the Rev. Daniel Ison and Rev. Scott Chastain officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, August 26, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in honor of Charles through the funeral home to Queensville Community Church.

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