Robert D. Cooper, Jr.

Robert (Bob) Dean Cooper Jr. of Tulsa and Sapulpa died Tuesday, September 4th, 2018. His health had suffered since contracting West Nile virus in 2013. Bob was born July 27, 1928 to father Robert Dean Cooper Sr. and Nell (Baxendale) Cooper. His parents, sister Betty Louise Bowman, and son Kevin McGee proceeded him in death. If Bob understood anything it was the importance of hard work. He became self-supporting at the age of 16. He graduated from Sapulpa High School while holding down a number of jobs, some, two at a time. He became a husband and father for the first time at the age of 19. While still in his teens he became a machinist and was quickly promoted to a management position in his early 20’s. Bob enrolled in Tulsa University Night School to further his career and better support his family, taking 13 semester hours while working full and over time. He went on to managerial positions in several local manufacturing companies. He became a Realtor but, found his true calling when he was appointed the first Executive Director of Twelve and Twelve Transition House, a home for those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. In his early 30’s, Bob began a descent into alcoholism that would take him too close to his end. On the verge of losing everything, Bob was advised by Reverend Bill Mason, founder of Asbury United Methodist church, to get to Alcoholics Anonymous which he did. I break my father’s anonymity because he was dedicated to giving his sobriety away to anyone who would listen to his story and ask God for help following the AA way of life. Nothing would make him happier than to know he helped someone else, even posthumously. The importance of helping other alcoholics, his sobriety and spreading the hope of AA, were paramount. In spite of his devotion to the principals of AA, Bob knew how to have a good time. In his younger days he was a competitive bowler, loved boating, hunting, shooting, and fishing. His passion for traveling and cruising and being outdoors on his farm were never diminished. We all marveled at his passion for cutting, splitting, loading, hauling and unloading, truckloads of wood. Bob delighted in family, especially his great-grandchildren. Three little boys, Revel, Monroe, and James. Those little guys lit him up with joy. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great-granddaughter. Denise (Cooper) Wheatley was his first born. She resides in Florida with his grandsons Kevin, Nicholas, and Scott (Kristen)Wheatley, and great-grandsons Revel and James. Marilyn Personett of Broken Arrow, Jerry Personett (Zhanna) and grandson Gene who reside in Norman, Oklahoma. Michael Personett, and Bob’s granddaughter Mai live in Austin. Kenneth (Viki) Personett and his grandchildren Lindsey Personett, Kenny (Ashley) Personett, Brandi(Trey) Corbett and great-grandson Monroe. All reside in the Liberty, Kansas City area. Karen Wadlow and grandchildren, Brandon and Sierra of Bella Vista Arkansas. Brian (Marie) McGee and Bobs’ grandsons, Logan and Ian of Tulsa. If Bob was the thread that brought three families together, Sharon his wife of 29 years, was the bond. Anyone who loved Bob was welcomed into her heart and home. They were the center of each other’s lives in every respect. Sharon was the reason Bob received such good medical care. She oversaw every aspect of his care and accepted nothing short of exceptional care for him. They seemed to be soul mates. It is hard to even think of Bob without adding Sharon. He always said of her “She takes such good care of me. I don’t know what I would do without her.” They gave us a perfect example of love, devotion and commitment. The common reaction of those notified of Bob’s passing is a sense of disbelief. He was so strong, he had come back from so many close calls. He was always there which is the way his friends and family expected it to be. He showed us how you can change your life and the lives of others by working hard, persevering, placing the welfare of others before your own, and believing in a power higher than yourself. Well done Robert Dean Cooper, well done! A Memorial service will be held at the Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel located at 3612 E. 91st St. Tulsa, at 10:00 am Tuesday September 11th, 2018. Please join the family in celebrating Bobs life.

Robert D. Cooper, Jr.

July 27, 1928 - September 4, 2018