John R. (Jack) Cooper, 85, of Humboldt, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt. Jack was born December 5, 1932, in Table Rock. He attended Humboldt Public School and graduated JROTC at Shattuck Military School.
Jack joined the Army and later graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agriculture. Jack married Barbra Cochran in 1963 and to this union two sons were born, John Darren and Kent. Jack and Barbra divorced in 1967. Jack and Luann were married in 1985. Tragically, Luann was in a fatal car accident in October of 1987.
Jack was the owner/operator of Skelly Northview Service Station in Falls City, then moved back to Humboldt and operated the parts department for the John Deere implement dealership. He purchased the Humboldt Standard from Wayne Friedly in 1977 and operated that business until his health mandated retirement. Jack was a lifelong active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Falls City. He was an avid worker and supporter of many community groups, including the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and American Legion. He also served on the Humboldt City Council and was active in the Nebraska Press Association. Jack was King of the Richardson County Fair in 2004.
He thoroughly enjoyed Humboldt’s “population increase” during fair week! Hunting was one of Jack’s passions and he looked forward to opening season weekend with friends in Fairbury every fall. Football was a favorite sport and he always hoped his K-State Wildcats would be playing for a National Championship. Jack loved life, people, and the town of Humboldt—which he called a jewel!
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Cooper, and wife, Luann (Wetz) Cooper, and daughter-in-law Vicki Cooper. Jack is survived by his sons: John Darren Cooper, Kent Cooper (Rhonda), Marc Cooper, stepsons Danny Baker and Kris Baker; grandchildren: Amanda, Devon, Julian, Jayden, Kaden, Damian, Shaun, Robert and Jessica as well as great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Mary Barnett; sister, Virginia Babcock (Joel); nieces: Andrea Maupin (Tom), Dorothy Renter, Nanette Babcock and nephews: Maurice Babcock (Corinne) and Charles (Shelly); hosts of special friends. Memorial Eucharist Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1602 Harlan Street in Falls City, Nebraska with Father Larry Parrish officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2018, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt.
Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. at the mortuary. Private family inurnment will be in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska. Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice. Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha ST., Humboldt, NE (402) 862-2915.
