Lester R. Cooper

ELKHART — Lester Reed Cooper, 94, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at Elkhart Hospice House. 

He was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Elkhart, to Harry H. and Blanche (Hammon) Cooper. 

He married Margaret Louise Dunnuck on Aug. 10, 1943. Margaret passed on Jan. 26, 2000. 

Surviving are three daughters, Jacque Garrett and Rebecca “Becky” (Andy) Repaich, both of Elkhart and Cheryll (Jim) Chandler of Apache Junction, Arizona.; three grandchildren, Nichole Chandler, Ricky Garrett and Molly (Larry) Oliver; great-granddaughter Veda Oliver; and a sister, Sue Dominguez of Demming, New Mexico.

Lester was preceded in death by his father, Harry; mother Blanche Clevenz; sister Jeanne Finney; and brothers Robert E. Anderson and Jack H.W. Cooper. 

Les retired from Conrail as a brakeman after 18 ½ years of service. 

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1945. 

He was the former owner of the L & M Bar and Les and Marge’s Bar in Elkhart, where he made many friends and memories over the years. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing and bowling. 

Graveside service for Les will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, at the Veteran Towers in Prairie Street Cemetery. 

Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter No. 19. 

Memorials may be given to Center for Hospice Care. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home.

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