Geren Robert Cooper, 81, passed away in his home on Thursday July 25, 2024, with his wife, Sheila, by his side.

He was preceded to heaven by both of his parents, John and Mina Cooper, and his brother, John Cooper. Geren is survived by his wife Sheila Cooper, his children Cary Cooper, Caralee Brown (Gary Brown), Keiara Rayford, and his bonus children Demetrius Rayford, and Ody Rayford. He was also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other family members that loved and cherished him.

Geren graduated from The University of Tulsa with a degree in Business Administration. He worked all of his career in the computer engineering and systems programming industries with American Airlines, NASA, and Interlink. He retired at the age of 72.

Geren was a lover of good food and exploring new restaurants. Anyone who knows him can testify that he would typically be the last to the leave the table and the first to complain about how full he was afterwards (lol). He was an avid black coffee drinker, and he would literally drink this from sun up to sun down- you might even catch a scowl if you ever thought of offering him any sugar or cream to add to his precious black coffee. (If you know, you know.) Geren enjoyed watching sports, but he really enjoyed listening to sports live over the radio while working his Sudoku and crossword puzzles, and to no surprise this would also include… black coffee.  He remained moderately active all of his life with playing racquetball well through his 40s and riding his bike throughout his 70s. Also, if you know him you know that speaking his mind was his specialty and he happily welcomed a good debate, no matter the subject. He lived well and accomplished a lot throughout his 81 years. His passing is being deemed a celebration of life as he wouldn't want us to mourn too long, but instead continue on living our lives to the fullest! He will forever be in our hearts and loved immensely. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

His family wishes to extend a special thanks to the dedicated staff of Phoenix Hospice Care and Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.