Richard Donald Cooper

Richard Donald Cooper, age 83, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 27, 2014 at his home in Desert Springs, Arizona. He was born February 24, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Raymond Frederick and Leva Leona Hills Cooper. Richard was the youngest of five children. He grew up in Chicago and later attended and graduated from Brigham Young University. While at BYU, he was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He joined the Church and remained and active member throughout his life. He served in the military during the Korean War.

Richard married Kay Camenish on September 22, 1952. She passed away on May 14, 1960, leaving him with their three small children. On June 24, 1961, he married Aleen Eggleston. They had six children and later divorced. On October 28, 1986, he married Sharol JoAnn Grow.

Richard was a successful entrepreneur and business man, and enjoyed a life of learning, studying the law, and hobbies such as antique automobiles, coin collecting, and model trains.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn; nine children, listed oldest to youngest: Jan (Rick) West of Orem, UT; Carolyn (Bruce) Gelder of Iowa City, IA; Jerry (Susan) of San Antonio, TX; Perry (Andrea) of Ivins, UT; Bret of West Valley City, UT; Chad (Lyn) of Canyon Country, CA; Aaron (Jennifer) of Ivins, UT; Rachel (Bret) Henderson of Washington, UT; and Mary (Israel) Meadows of Washington, UT; two stepchildren: Cheryl (Ken) Benzon of Apache City, AZ; Teresa (Kent) Osborne of Hurricane, UT: 40 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two brothers: Ray (Nancy) of Denver, CO and Bob (Char) of Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Velma (Victor) Henney and Betty (Fred) Kieser.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 11, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Littlefield LDS Chapel. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to services at the chapel. Interment will be Friday, December 12, 2014, at 12:00 noon in the Provo City Cemetery accompanied by a brief graveside service. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com