Yarnell L. 'Rip' Cooper

POTTSVILLE- Yarnell L. “Rip” Cooper, 88, formerly of Pottsville, of Eagles Mere, passed away peacefully Sunday evening at the Highlands Care Center, Laporte, PA. Born in Pottsville on November 4, 1923, he was a son of the late Oscar and Viola (Minton) Cooper. After graduation from Pottsville Area High School, Rip joined the U.S. Navy and spent 23 years serving his Country, during this time he served in WWII, Korea and Vietman. He retired as a Chief Engine Man and was trained as a deep sea diver. Rip was always very proud of serving his Country. He was also a great fisherman. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Rip worked for Rockwell International, Reading. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Hawaii, Mechanicsville Fish and Game Club and a life member of Nelson Arms Legion, Post 601, Sonestown, PA. Prior to moving to Eagles Mere, He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville. Rip was preceded in death was his first wife, Jeanne M. (Drum) Cooper who passed away on November 2, 1995, a brother, John “Jack” Cooper, and a sister, Gayle Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Ruth J. (Fenstermacher) Booth Cooper, two step daughters, Angela George, Laporte, and Kay Wilson, Eagles Mere, four step sons, David Booth, Hughesville, Don, Paul and Gary Booth, all of Eagles Mere, five grandchildren, Samuel Booth, Kelly Gensemer, Lynda Hatches, Shelly Vest and Jason Booth, several great grandchildren, and two nephews, Adam and John Cooper. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 1:30PM from the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., 6th and W. Market Sts., Pottsville, with the Reverend Bradley Schutt, of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00PM till the time of the service. Military Honors will be conducted by the Pottsville Joint Veteran Council. Online condolences can be sent at www.BestLifeTributes.com