Danny L. Cooper

Danny Lee Cooper, 75, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home with his family at his side at 3:49 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Danny was born September 16, 1944 in Petersburg, IL the son of Virgil Franklin and Mary Elizabeth (Hubbard) Cooper.  He married Mary Jo Nichols on July 13, 1965.  Together they had six children:  one son, the late Kenneth (Jen) Cooper; and five daughters, Tangee (Pat) Frazier of Quincy, Crystal (Joel) Emerich of Phoenix, AZ, Jollene Gunlikson of Tempe, AZ, Kelli Jo (Jeff) McFadden of Galesburg; and the late Marlene Cooper.  Danny later married Margaret “Faye” Mathews on October 14, 1981 in Galesburg.  She survives as does one sister, Nancy Honea of Springfield; and one brother, Bob Cooper of Athens, IL.  Along with his parents and two children, Danny was preceded in death by four sisters, Betty, Lois, Margaret, and Nola; three brothers, Gary, Gerald, and John; and a half-brother, Glen. Danny joined the US Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1964.  He worked at Koppers, Inc. for 18 years.  He then worked many years as a self-employed handyman. Cremation rites will be accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.