On June 25, 2020, Gary Cooper, loving husband and father of three, passed away peacefully in his home
surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 72. Gary was born November 10, 1947 to Donald and Luella
Cooper. On August 11, 1967, he married Janet Wallace. They were happily married for 52 years.
Together, they raised a son, Gary Jr., and two daughters, Melissa  and Kathryn . Gary served in the U.S.
Navy for 11 years and was employed at Xerox in Webster for 43 years. Gary was known for his
impeccable work ethic, his devotion to God, family, and country, and his overwhelming generosity.
Although Gary had lost both of his parents by the tender age of twelve, he never used it as an excuse.
His situation could have easily led to bitterness and self-pity, but instead he chose grace and strength.
He rose above his circumstances to become a pillar in his church and his community.
Gary gave of himself freely and frequently. All who knew him, knew that they could ask Gary for help at
any time, and he would gladly provide whatever was needed. He loved hunting, fishing, and
woodworking. Gary made his home his castle. For 50 years he spent countless hours side-by-side with
his wife working to make "the big brick house on Main Street" a little piece of heaven in Red Creek, NY.
Gary was skilled at too many things to list – anything he didn't already know how to do…he figured out.
He was known to say, "I can do anything if I put my mind to it!"
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Donald; mother, Luella; and mother-in-law, Carol Wallace. He
is survived by his wife, Jan; three children, Melissa Wheeler, Gary (Denise), and Kathryn Pulver (Joshua);
brother Barry; sister Sherry Acome; stepfather Bruce Clark; father-in-law Harold Wallace; nine
grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Due to the current pandemic, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be
sent to Lifetime Care Hospice , lifetimecare.org ,  and Red Creek Fire Department, 7024 Main St., Red Creek, NY 13143. Arrangements are in care of the Becker-Keysor Funeral Home, Red Creek, NY.