Roy "Tom" Cooper

Roy Thomas Cooper Jr., known as Tom, or “Coop” to friends and family, sadly passed away on June 29th, 2024, while living abroad in Pattaya, Thailand.

Tom was born September 26, 1948, to Lillian Pittman Cooper Bloomfield, and Roy Thomas Cooper. Tom was born in Coopersville, KY and then lived in New Castle, Indiana for many years. He was a 1966 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler Memorial High School. While attending high school, he was involved in several activities including, Co-counsel, Football, Intramurals, cheer block, Wrestling, Track, Machinists club and “N” Men’s club. After high school he worked for Chrysler, and later joined the U.S army in 1968. He served during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Thailand. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Once he returned home, Tom decided to further his education, receiving two degrees from Ivy Tech in Electronic communications, Electronic Technology and also a certificate for Television & Radio Service technician, He was offered an opportunity at West Point but declined that invitation. He later joined the national Guard and was awarded the Indiana National Guard Commendation Medal while serving as the communication Electrical Repair technician company (Transportation Aircraft Maintenance) 38th aviation Battalion. He then worked for Naval Avionics of Indianapolis and traveled to many places while working. He eventually retired from the Civil Service Dept of the Navy in January 2003 of Patuxent River Naval Air Station of Maryland.

Tom’s hobbies were as rich and varied as his professional life. He was an avid gardener, and loved to plant a garden full of fresh vegetables. He always had a lawn full of flowers, which also included a greenhouse full of orchids, which seemed to be his favorite. When he was not busy with flowers, he could be found watching football, he always made sure to renew his NFL Sunday ticket package. He also enjoyed every episode of MASH, and he would never pass up a day of fishing.

Tom's legacy is carried forward by his children. R. Thomas CooperIII (Tonya R. Cooper) Amanda M. (Cooper) Witham (Brian Witham), his grandchildren, Carter Witham, Katherine Cooper and Reece Witham. His memory will also be cherished by his oldest brother Max Bokma, nephew, Ernie Colyer, and best friend Jim Bauman (Christian). Several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Kay Colyer, Shirley-Jean Cummings, stepfather, Lawerence Bloomfield and Sister-in-law, Lorie Bokma.

Tom always had a love for his family and friends. His many years spent in Thailand were also close to his heart and that is where he decided to live after retirement. He would always make sure to come home yearly to visit everyone. We always made sure to have Pizza King pizza, Jack’s donuts and would always have morning coffee on the front porch together.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 26, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastors Paul Davis and Brock Davis officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the American Legion, VFW, and a contingent from the U.S. Army. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Legion Hill section of South Mound Cemetery. in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given the Honor Guard of the American Legion #132 and the VFW Post #1282. You may share condolences and memories of Tom at www.hinsey-brown.com.

His memory will forever be in our hearts and live on in our memories.

View Live stream of Tom's Service at (https://youtube.com/live/flXSDbLC3NM?feature=share)