Council Grove – Lindy Eugene Cooper was born in Lamar, Missouri on August 31, 1941. He passed away June 10, 2019 in Council Grove, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Eugene and Lucille Nelson Cooper, and his grandson Derek Cross, son of Teresa Frisbie. Lindy leaves behind three children and their families: Ty (Carrie) Cooper of Lee’s Summit, MO, Teresa Frisbie of Blue Springs, MO and Thad Cooper of Independence, MO; seven grandchildren, one great grandson, and two great grandchildren on the way. Lindy also leaves behind his sister, Shirley Pape and her husband Carol Pape, nieces and their family members: Celeste Hewitt, Crystal Fosdick, Angelina Zimmerman and Tiffani Erichsen. Lindy married Irene Carson Cooper and they later divorced.
Lindy graduated from Council Grove High School in 1960, where he lettered in all sports, and was especially fond of pole vaulting and football. He attended Emporia State University and was hired by Cook Construction Company during construction of the Council Grove Dam. He was employed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and worked on Dam construction at Pomona, Glen Elder, Clinton, Hillsdale and Melvern, KS. He was transferred to Macon, MO and later was promoted to River and Harbor Foreman for the Missouri River. Lindy spent 20 years at the Napoleon River Office and often volunteered for emergency service throughout the mid-west region. Throughout his career with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lindy received numerous commendations.
After retirement Lindy spent summers fishing in Warsaw, MO and winters fishing in Florida. He attended clown school so that he could entertain children at local schools and hospitals as Poppy the Clown. After spending a short time in New Jersey, and with his declining health, he relocated to Council Grove in 2017. Lindy loved his family and the outdoors, starting with his experiences as a Boy Scout, earning his Eagle Scout status. He never met a stranger, and is remembered for his great story telling, such as how he caught all the alligators in the Neosho River or how he sold a broomstick as a vacuum cleaner. He coached baseball, and never missed a sporting event of his kids, while attending many grandchildren’s games as well. Lindy had several hunting dogs, with his favorite dog named Music. Whether hunting or fishing, Lindy was always ready to share a story about his outdoor adventures. Lindy was larger than life, and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
The family would like to thank the Council Grove Hospital staff, Diversicare of Council Grove, Lily Morrisey, and family and friends who went beyond what was necessary and to those who reached out to our loved one within the community.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00am, at the Council Grove First Congregational UCC, with the memorial service following at 11:00.
Memorial contributions can be made in Lindy’s name to the Shriner’s Hospital in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846