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Charles Franklin Cooper, age 81, passed away at his home in Whitehouse, surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 2, 2018. He was born on July 14, 1937 in Kennedale, Texas to William F. and Lucy Mae (Elrod) Cooper. {{more: continue …}}?Charles graduated from Troup High School in 1955 and went on to attend Tyler Junior College and Stephen F. Austin State University. On December 31, 1959, he married Robbie Martin. After marriage, Charles served in the U.S. Army. Together, they had four children.?
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Charles retired from the Texas Department of Transportation after 37 years of service. Early in his career, Charles inspected the construction of IH 20 in Smith and Gregg counties. At the end of his career, he oversaw contract management for the construction of the first section of Toll 49 in Tyler.?
Charles was grateful to have been an ordained Baptist deacon for more than 43 years. He had a servant’s heart and loved to help others. He led numerous church building projects and served in many ministerial and administrative positions in the church.
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Charles loved to work on his farms with Robbie raising horses and cattle. However, his most treasured times were spent with his children and grandchildren. He and Robbie traveled thousands of miles to attend his grandchildren’s games, recitals and special events. He was always their biggest fan.?
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He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Robbie; daughters, Shelley Cooper and Sherri (Brian) Ralson; son Scott (Kim) Cooper; four grandchildren, Bret Ralson, Blake Ralson, Thomas Cooper and Elizabeth Cooper; great-granddaughter, Kerrington; sisters, Sue (Curtis) Lindsey, Dianne (Sam) Hamilton; brothers Phil Cooper and Billy (Pat) Cooper and many nieces and nephews.
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Charles was preceded in death by his son, Terry Joe Cooper, his parents and mother and his father-in-law, H.B. “Jack” and Myrtle Martin.
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Pallbearers will be Jeff Berryhill, Brad Burnett, Scott Gorbett, Jimmy Jackson, Preston Lindsey, Keith Lindsey, Kent Lindsey and Randy Ralson.
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Visitation will be held Friday, September 7, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Stewart Family Funeral Home located at 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, TX. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Whitehouse with Pastor Bennie Portwood and Pastor Pat Graham officiating. There will be a private family burial.??
