Joe Cooper unexpectedly passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on November 29, 2023.

Joe (Larry "Joe" Cooper) was born in Garden City, Kansas on January 26, 1943. Later his family moved to Shawnee, Kansas. Joe was a graduate of Shawnee Mission North High School and attended Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Joe was an accountant for TWA for ten years (1964 to 1974). While at TWA he was selected by IBM as one of ten candidates to be taught by IBM about computers. He did not want to move his young family to New Jersey so he declined the offer. He owned a farm in Osawatomie, Kansas from 1974 to 1977 where he raised black Angus cattle and crops. He designed and built a new home completely himself while on this farm. In 1977 he moved back to Prairie Village, Kansas, and built a house in Overland Park, Kansas. In 1980 he became the sole proprietor of his first convenience store. He purchased another convenience store in 1985. Joe retired in 1997 and enjoyed time at the Lake of the Ozarks. In 1999 he purchased a home in Lakeland, Florida where he spent winters until his death.

Joe loved to take things apart just to see how they worked. As a teenager he did a television repairbusiness out of his parent's basement. He was the manager of Van's Supermarket when he was in his early 20's. There were no boundaries on what Joe would pursue. If he wanted to do something, do it no matter how big or small, he would find a way. "Go West young man" was his kind of take it on attitude. He enjoyed remodeling houses in his spare time and did so throughout his life. At the age of 27 he raised the roof on the back of his house to add three bedrooms and a bath. He had never done anything like this before but that didn't stop him. Be it wine making, tinkering, projects around the house, shuffleboarding, and such with his poker buddies filled many a day during his retirement days. Jose Peppers, home-cooked favorites, card games, and fun conversation was a constant with his son living just across the street. Spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was ever more delightful. The night before he passed, he had gone to a Santa Party with his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While at the Santa party, he taught his great-grandson, Logan, about static electricity. Logan was sure not to let Papa leave without running up to him to give him one last hug.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Donald Roy Cooper, his mother, Bertha Leon (Shoen) Cooper, and his brother, Darrell Cooper. He leaves behind his wife (high school sweetheart) of over 61 years, Diana. He also leaves behind his daughter, Sherri 58 (David), his son, Brian 56 (Mary), and his five grandchildren, Heather (Michael), Drew, Kevin (Danielle), Bradley, and Brooke. He also leaves behind his four great-grandchildren, Logan (6), Emma (3), Charlie (2) and Taylor (1). He also leaves behind his surviving brothers, Brent, Charlie, and Donald.

Joe had a wonderful personality, and a positive attitude and always wore a smile on his face. He truly loved his family so much and helped them in so many ways. He will always be remembered in our hearts forever.