Richard William Cooper

Richard W. Cooper, 88, passed away on June 30, 2025, at a local retirement facility in Sioux City, Iowa.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel (1801 Morningside Ave) with a visitation taking place one hour prior.Officiant will be Pastor Mike Cooper from Primghar Church of Christ. His final resting place will be Graceland Park Cemetery.

Richard was born on October 23, 1936, to Robert M. and Gwenevere G. (Lynn) Cooper in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from East High School in 1955 and remained a lifelong resident of Sioux City. On June 1, 1956, Richard was united in marriage to Janice A. Buchanan at Grace Methodist Church. The couple spent 32 years together until Janice passed away on June 20, 1988. On February 11, 1997, Richard married Marcie Bos, and they spent 25 years together before her passing on July 19, 2022.

For over 35 years, Richard worked at International Harvester as a parts salesman. After he retired in 1999, he started a courier service called the Gofer Service from 2000-2010.

Richard was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. He held multiple positions in the organization, such as a volunteer in scouting, scoutmaster for Troop 280, and was a Unit Commissioner for many years. He took part in the 1973 National Scout Jamboree, did Wood badge, and set up and lead the Spring/Fall Camporees. Richard started many troops in the greater Siouxland area, and he helped many other troops and packs. For his exceptional character, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts of America, which is the highest award given by the BSA. He received the District Award of Merit, a prestigious recognition given to those who provided outstanding service.

Richard was also a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Sioux City. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, camping and attending grandchildren’s sports and activities. He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, “GO HAWKS” and a Dallas Cowboy fan.

Richard is survived by his sons, Robert (Dawn) Cooper, Richard D. (Michele) Cooper, and David Cooper; son-in-law, Richard Vaul; 13 grandchildren; Dustin (Gretchen) Cooper, Brock (Heather) Cooper, Danny (Brittni) Cooper, Stephanie Cooper, Shawn (Anne) McDonald, Seth McDonald, Nate (Clare Huntress) Cooper, Samantha (Jay) Elledge, Danielle Cooper, Andrew Cooper, Cassie Cooper, Zach Vaul and Bethany (Justin) Brown. 22 great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Sandy) Cooper; sister, Bobette (Bruce) Acton; and 2 nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gwenevere; wife, Janice; wife, Marcie; and daughters, Debora (Kevin) McDonald, and Kelli Vaul.

The Cooper family would like to thank the staff at Whispering Creek Senior Living for all the compassion and love they showed our father over the last three years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or the Siouxland Soup Kitchen.