Gerald Cooper, 81, of Tarkington, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at home. Services will be held at Pace Stancil, Cleveland, Monday, April 13, 2015 with interment to follow at Ryan Cemetery. Brother Byron Reeves, formerly of Rural Shade Baptist Church, will preside. Arrangements are under the direction of Pace Stancil.

Gerald was born on July 12, 1934, in Gonzales, Texas, to Earl Cooper and Ida (Odom Cooper) White. Raised by step-dad John "Son" White and Ida (Odom Cooper) White, he grew up on a dairy farm, milking cows, picking cotton, working at the sawmill. He became an electrical contractor. He married Carolyn Willard on November 20, 1953 in Houston, Texas. They lived 44 years in Humble, Texas, owning and operating the Humble Electric Company and Jetero Beauty Salon. Gerald helped organize the Old Humble Road Volunteer Fire Department, serving as their Fire Chief for 33 years through it becoming Eastex Volunteer Fire Department.

Gerald enjoyed calf roping, trail rides and square dancing. He served as the Trail Boss for the Old Humble Road Rough Riders, riding in the Salt Grass Trail Ride every year. Gerald and Carolyn retired to Tarkington in 1997.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carolyn; children: Gerald Wayne Cooper and wife, Brenda; Cindy Walker and husband, Gary; Belinda Goolsby and husband, Larry; Matthew Cooper and wife, Jamie. Grandchildren: Mitchell Cooper, Randa Ward, Joshua Walker, Joseph Walker, Jason Walker, Amanda Lovell, Jessica Schulze, Laressia Martin, Jacob Goolsby, Dillen Cooper, Cameron Cooper, Ryan Cooper and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Cooper and Ida Odom Cooper, brothers, Earl Cooper Jr., Harvel "Skeeter" Cooper, Eldridge Cooper and Wayne White, and grandson Jerritt Goolsby.