Donald Lee "Don" Cooper

Donald Lee “Don” Cooper, age 89, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away at his home on March 11, 2026.

Born on April 14, 1936, in Shell Knob, Don was the son of Arl and Ida (Whisman) Cooper. He graduated from Cassville High School with the Class of 1954 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, he spent 28 years as a firefighter with the North Kansas City Fire Department. While serving as a firefighter, he also operated his own concrete business and helped his mother run the family farm. In his younger years he enjoyed racing stock cars. He and his wife, Sonja, shared a love of square dancing and were proud of the matching outfits she sewed for them as they traveled together to all 50 states.

On December 17, 1960, in Granby, Missouri, Don married Sonja Sanders, who preceded him in death on November 22, 2024. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Penny Cooper Bailey.

Don is survived by his son, Russell Arl Cooper of Shell Knob; his daughter, Julia Donetta Cooper Riggs and her husband John of Blue Springs, Missouri; his sister, Arlene Garland and her husband Sanford of Shell Knob; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. After retiring from the fire department, he returned to Shell Knob and became a full-time cattle farmer. He was a longtime member of Lohmer Full Gospel Church. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.