Billie Dean “B.D.” Cooper, the son of Willie and Winnie (Oakman) Cooper, was born January 9, 1925, in Langdon, Missouri. He attended school in Langdon and graduated from Nishnabotna High School. B.D. enlisted in the United States Navy on December 3, 1943, and was stationed on Shoemaker Naval Base in California.
B.D. was united in marriage to Winona Faye Harding on August 21, 1945, in Hiawatha, Kansas. After receiving his honorable discharge on January 2, 1946, they made their home in St. Joseph, Missouri, and became the parents of two sons, David and James Russell. He attended Hillyard Technical School and earned his certification as a machinist and was employed by Walker Manufacturing Company. B.D. returned to the Fairfax area to be a lifetime farmer. In the late 1970’s he started NoWeMo Fine Swine, a farrow to finish hog operation. B.D. was an avid sports fan, especially following his sons, grandkids, and great-grandkids in all their activities. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and playing cards with family and friends. B.D. was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, Missouri. He passed away Monday, July 22, 2019, at Community Hospital-Fairfax at the age of 94.
Besides his parents, B.D. was preceded in death by sister, Agnes Moulder. Survivors include his wife, Winona; two sons, David (Pam) Cooper, and J.R. (Pete) Cooper, all of Fairfax; four grandchildren, Phillip Cooper, Magen (Tracy) Norcross, Donovan (Tracy) Cooper, Pepe (Jade) Wright; ten great-grandchildren, Kolbe, Kilea and Kaden Cooper, Lauren Durkin, Boo and Brody Cooper, Britney, Blade, Bentley and Brett Wright.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 25, 2019, at First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, conducted by Rev. Franz Brandenburg. Interment was at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax, with a graveside flag presentation by John Richards Post #284, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to Community Hospital-Fairfax.
Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.