Bill Cooper
Billy Dean Cooper, 89, of Madrid, Nebraska, passed away on Oct. 17, 2018, at Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant, Neb.
Bill was born on March 15, 1929, to Arthur and Margaret “Mae” (Moore) Cooper in St. Edward, Neb. He graduated from St. Edward high school.
Bill traveled to Madrid during the blizzard of 1949 while he was on his way to join the Navy in California. Bill got stuck in the blizzard while staying with his uncle and aunt, Tobe and Eunie Ross, near Madrid. He started doing chores for them, fell in love with the lifestyle, and decided to stay on their farm.
He met his wife, Mona (McCormick), in Madrid. They were married the month after she graduated from high school on June 19, 1951, and they started their own family, living on the farm north of Madrid for over 50 years.
Bill retired from farming in 2008, then moved to the town of Madrid. In 2014, Bill moved into Park Ridge Assisted Living in Grant. In 2016, he moved to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home.
Bill loved playing baseball and other sports in his younger years. He played on town teams while he was farming, coached peewee baseball teams and refereed basketball and football games. He loved watching sports, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and social dancing. He was an Elks Club member for many years.
Survivors include his children: Scott (Sheila) Cooper of Goleta, California, Tim (Gailya) Cooper of Omaha, Karla (Tim) McQueen of Elsie, Tracy (Dianne) Cooper of Dalton, and Stonie (Laura) Cooper of Prague, Neb. Bill is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mona; brothers, Charlie, Robert, Ralph, and Ed; sisters, Leetha and Rose; son, Toby; and granddaughter, Kelli.
A memorial has been established in his memory for later designation. Condolences can be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Memorial services will be held Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Madrid United Methodist Church with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Madrid Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant, NE is in charge of arrangements.