Willard H. "Jack" Coop

Willard H. “Jack” Coop, 97, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Indiana Veterans Home, Lafayette, IN. Jack, as everyone knew him, was born in Fouge, KY and grew up in Hoopeston, IL. At age 18, he joined the Army in June 1942. He transferred to the Air Cadets, 8^th Air Force and flew 31 missions as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 bomber until the end of WWII. Discharged in August 1945, Jack worked several jobs around home and found time for dating. In April 1946 he married Mary Ellen Begley. He joined the Air Force Reserves later that year and was on inactive duty until 1951 when he returned to active military status. Jack and Mary had two children, Susan and Steve. He spent 1953-54 in Korea, supervising the base carpentry shop of civilian and military personnel. After multiple assignments in California, New York, Indianapolis, Hawaii and Virginia, Jack retired from the Air Force in 1968 as a Master Sargeant. He then worked as a letter carrier for the Post Office 10 years and then became a sales agent for a postal uniform company. He “officially” retired in 1993 and enjoyed some traveling with Mary in their motorhome. After Mary passed away in 1996, Jack moved to a house on Lake Nolin Kentucky, enjoying fishing, boating and the good life in the country. He is survived by daughter Susan Baatz (Coop) and son, Steve Coop; grandson Robert Coop and his wife Lisa; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services will be Monday, Feb. 21 at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN. Viewing from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m., services at 1:00p.m. and graveside ceremony with military honors at 1:45p.m. A small gathering with refreshments will follow. Contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or any charity of your choosing. To view the service live please click here