Bill Dale Cooper, 86, Marion, received his eternal reward when he passed away in his home at 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2017. He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on May 13, 1931, and the son of the late Clyde Clayton and Mary (Davis) Cooper.
After moving from Marion, Michigan, to Grant County in 1951, Bill met a young lady, Phyllis Walters. As their love for each other grew, they married on June 29, 1953. Bill retired from General Motors, where he worked in the shipping area. He was a member of Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City and Eastern Woodland Carvers Club in Converse.
Bill was an avid wood carver, and he loved hunting and fishing. He was a true outdoorsman. Bill loved to sing and especially loved his family dearly, as well as his church family.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 64 years, Phyllis; daughters, Teresa (Paul) Colyer, Upland, and Wanda (Bob) Bosworth, Marion; son, Mike (Lisa) Cooper, Marion; 10 grandchildren, Joshua Colyer, Michael (Llita) Colyer, Jonathan (Kristy) Colyer, Melissa (Matt) Mayer, Briana (Jared) Paddick, Nick Bosworth, Ashley Sullivan, Sara (Alex) Jamieson, Tad Ritchhart, and Ashton Ritchhart; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bud, Jack, Ralph (Jean), Birt (Arlyne), and Steve Cooper; sisters, Lela Wheeler, Pat (Roy) Thompson, and Carol (Jim) Batterbee; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Also preceding him in death was a brother, Roger Cooper, and a sister, Martha Salisbury.
The family will receive visitors from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2018, at Eastview Wesleyan Church, 414 N. 10th St., Gas City, IN.
A Celebration of Life service will take place at the church at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, with Pastor Mark Atkinson officiating. Burial will follow at Estates of Serenity.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Eastview Wesleyan Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.