Info Sheet - Obituary - Harlan Thomas Cooper
Died 6 December 2023 - comments
Obituary
Harlan Thomas Cooper, 83, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on June 16, 1940, in Double Springs, Alabama, to Elzie and Learon Underwood Cooper. Specialist Five E-5, Harlan T. Cooper, served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as staff sergeant E-6 Aviation, Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th infantry Division, US Forces. Harlan actively participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory in counterinsurgency operations. He displayed the highest order of air discipline in repeated Aerial flights over hostile territory, determined to accomplish his mission in spite of the hazards obtaining superior results. His performance was in the best traditions of the United States Army. Harlan was a recipient of The Purple Heart Medal of Honor. He set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. He had an outstanding degree of professionalism and devotion to duty, he brought credit upon himself, his organization, and the Army of the United States Military service. After his time in service, he worked as a contractor, transmission specialist, and traveled and sang gospel music with his wife and children (The Cooper Family). Later, he obtained his Master Plumber certification to become an investigator for the Texas State Board of Plumbing. Harlan married Janis Hamilton on February 12, 1970 in Lamesa, TX. He was a member of Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Harlan was a NASCAR fan and loved his antique cars. He enjoyed singing with his family and was best known for restoring old cars.
Harlan is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janis Cooper of Mountain Home, AR; children, Harlan (Dana) Cooper Jr. of Benton, LA, Darren (Clorinda) Cooper of Lubbock, TX, Brad (Katie) Cooper of Lubbock, TX, Tim (Shelley) of Bonham, TX, and Kim (Joe) Long of Mountain Home, AR; siblings, Betty, Edward, and Ben; grandchildren, Heather, Bradley, Graham, Braden, Sammie, Ryan, Kalea, Brock, Ashton, Landon, Layton, Timmy, Toby, Cooper, Kilee, Jennifer, Christopher, Candice, Avery, Harlie, and Logan; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Crew, Zoei, Lilybeth, P.J., Stone, Sutton, Blair, Wren, and Paxton; and a host of extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Learon Cooper; sister, Debbie; and brother, Donald.
Visitation will be 9:00 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Twin Lakes Baptist Church. The funeral service for Harlan will follow at 10:00 am with Dr. Sam Bailey officiating. Burial will be in Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, Arkansas, with Cooper Long, Ashton Cooper, Darren Cooper, Brad Cooper, Buz Cooper, and Tim Cooper as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Bradly Cooper, Grahm Cooper, and Braden Cooper. Military Honors will be provided by the Alley-White American Legion Post #52 and United States Army Honor Guards.
Memorial donations may be made to Harlan's wife, Janis Cooper.
Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com
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Comments: (also check out his online Tribute Page)
Dwight Byrd: I spent one year and three months with Harlan in Cu Chi, Vietnam.
He was our Maintence supervisor over the Light Scout Helicopters.
Finding the Reunions was a great thing to reconnect with the guys from our Military days in Nam. Harlan was a great guy and was also from Louisiana which made a special bond between us.
Rest in Peace my dear friend. .
James Wells: We all remember Coop with great fondness who served with him at Cu Chi. Thoughts and prayers are you and your family.
Janice Peed: Thank you for sharing . My husband (Charles Peed) served with Coop and thought the world of him. Loved him as a Christian brother. My thoughts and prayers are with Janis and the family.
Bob Tegelman sends in more photos of Harlan from different Reunions that we can add to the website.