Robert Cooper

(AKA Bob, Dad, RBC, Uncle Bob, Pop)

Robert (Bob) was born on July 27, 1929 in Philadelphia to Raymond G. Cooper and Cathryn Bircher Cooper.  He had an older sister, Virginia (Jinny), older brother Raymond (Sonny) and a younger brother, Jerrod (Jerry).  He grew up in Liverpool, PA and after graduating as valedictorian from Liverpool High School in 1946, he returned to Philadelphia, attended business school and was hired by Gulf Oil Corporation in the mailroom.  This was the start of a 40-year career with Gulf. He went on to work in the data processing department in Philadelphia and eventually got into accounting analysis, which would later move him to Houston.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 and upon returning from his service in Europe, he resumed his career with Gulf.  Not long after, he was introduced to Catherine Maxwell, who lived next door to his sister, Jinny.  Bob and Catherine were married in 1955.  They raised three children (Bob, Jeff and Cathy) in Flourtown, PA.  In 1976, Gulf transferred the Coopers to Houston, where they still live.

Bob inherited the love for and gift of music from his mother who played organ music for silent movies in Philadelphia. He never read music but learned to play by ear.  He loved playing the guitar, ukulele, banjo and piano.  There probably wasn’t an instrument made that he couldn’t create beautiful music with.  He shared this musical passion with several generations in the family, including his two grandsons, David and Bryan, who still play.

Bob inspired his children and grandchildren with his love for the written word and humor.  His wit and humor were sources of joy for him and those around him.

Another of Bob’s hobbies was golf.  He taught his children, wife and grandsons to play and there are so many treasured memories because of this.

He lovingly and eagerly passed down his passion and talent for things like music and golf which is something we will always have and it keeps us connected and his memory alive.

Bob retired from Gulf in 1986 and enjoyed a 35-year retirement in Houston with Catherine. One of his greatest joys in these retirement years was being a grandfather (Pop).

Bob was loyal and endlessly generous with his time and efforts for the family…. a wonderful role model.  He left us a beautiful gift…. a lifetime of treasured memories.

Beloved, devoted husband of 66 years to Catherine Maxwell Cooper; father to Robert C. Cooper (Felisa) of Winnsboro, Texas; Jeffrey T. Cooper of Houston, Texas; Catherine Jew (Dany) of Cypress, Texas; grandfather to David Jew (Rachel) of Beaumont, Texas; and Bryan Jew (Sarah) of Cypress, Texas.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Raymond G. Cooper and mother Cathryn Bircher Cooper; sister Virginia Tradewell and brother Raymond Cooper (Sonny).

Robert is survived by his younger brother, Jerrod B. Cooper (Geraldine) of Harleysville, Pennsylvania; his niece Barbara A. Lance of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Susan Gefvert (Steve) of Cumberland Foreside, Maine; and many nieces, nephews and friends.