March 4, 1930 - Feb. 13, 2013

ELKHART - Virgil W. Cooper, 82, of Elkhart, passed away at 1:55 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, at Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart.

He was born March 4, 1930, in Salisbury, Mo., to Benjamin D. and Minnie Belle (Young) Cooper.

On April 12, 1953, in Bristol he married Judith S. "Judy" Winesburg.

She survives along with one son, Douglas W. (Cathy) Cooper of New Haven, Mich.; one daughter, Brenda S. Robbins of Elkhart; two grandchildren, Amanda M. Cooper, and Bradley J. Cooper; and one brother, Chester E. (Ruth) Cooper of Auxvasse, Mo.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters.

Virgil graduated in 1948 from Keytesville High School in Keytesville, Mich.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1951-55. He enjoyed all sports, especially golfing and bowling.

Virgil was the owner and operator of Cooper's Market until 1978. He was a real estate broker from 1978-1990, retiring due to ill health.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, at the funeral home. Pastor David Hudson, the chaplain at Elkhart General Hospital, will preside. Entombment will follow in Rice Cemetery, where the U.S. Navy Burial Detail and Elkhart DAV will render military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. M.E. Mishkin and the staff at Elkhart General Hospital and the Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart, for the excellent care they provided to Virgil.

Mike Dunmire, Shipshewana, IN Charlie and Virgil gave me my first job as a stock boy and worked my way up to butcher working with Gary Spence and Don. The Coopers were always great to my mom and dad and I really enjoyed working the counter and meeting the customers. I started in about 1962 or 1963. I think Virgil was one great guy.

Jeff Reese, Marcellus, MI I can't even guess how many times my Mom would have me ride my bike down to Cooper's Grocery to get bread and milk when I was growing up back in the 60's. I remember reading in the paper when Virgil shot 300. It was a big deal back then. Someone told me that after he shot that game, he gave the game up. How could you improve on a perfect game? I remember him and his brothers Don and Chester cutting meat behind the counter. Mom always said they had the best meat in town. My condolences to Mrs. Cooper and also to Doug and Brenda. Your family was always good to mine.

VICKIE REEVE, KINGMAN, AZ I am so sorry to hear of Virgil's passing. His wealth of knowledge stands out in my mind. We had some good times chatting in your living room. Love you Ma Cooper!

Tammy (Squibb) Baker, Powell, TN To: Ma Cooper, I was saddened to hear of Virgil's passing. I have fond memories of you and our time working together at Culligan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tammy (Squibb) Baker Powell, Tennessee

Tim Peffley, Fort Wayne, IN Judy & kids,sorry to hear about VIRGIL was a great guy remember all of you well from the store and my dad told us once he worked there when he was young. God Bless you all

Shirley Teal, Swayzee, IN Many great memories of Virgil and brother Melvin at the bowling center years ago. Many prayers for you Judy and your family. May Virgil rest in peace.

K ANTHONY, PUGLIESE, FL MAY VIRGIL REST IN PEACE. JUDY MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.