COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Gary E. Cooper, 68, of Colorado Springs went home to be with the Lord and his family on May 13, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Gary was born Feb. 8, 1943, in Great Bend to Glenn E. and Margaret M. (Leeper) Cooper. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Great Bend High School and joined the United States Marine Corps after graduation. He spent an overseas tour in Japan with the Marines. Gary went on to become an accomplished carpenter and contractor. Since 2000, after his father’s passing, Gary has been a devoted son and caretaker to his aging mother.

Gary is preceded in death by his sister, Leta M. Lacy in 1998, his father in 2000 and most recently his mother passed on May 3, only ten days prior to his death. He is survived by his three children: son, Clayt E. Cooper of Yuma, Colorado; and two daughters, Amy B. Grier and Lindsay R. Whorton, both of Colorado Springs; and his five grandsons, Noah, Blaine, Jackson, Kail, and Nicholas. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Reta M. Juiliano of Shawnee and Glennis A. Willy of Colorado Springs.

Gary had an enormous passion for golfing and auto racing. He enjoyed his circle of golfing buddies and challenged them every week on the golf course. He loved going for coffee in the off-season. Gary bought an IMCA modified car and teamed up with his nephew and driver, Adam Kimler, and raced in Calhan, Alamosa, Fort Morgan, Colo., and in Dodge City and Goodland in Kansas. The past five years, Gary assisted at El Paso County Speedway and during this time formed a brotherhood among many competitors and friends. Gary could be found at the race shop overseeing the work on many cars and giving advice to the rookies. Gary was a very loving papa to his grandsons and never ran out of things to brag about.

The family would like to extend our deep gratitude to Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Penrose Hospital 11th Floor Staff, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, for the amazing compassion and loving care given to Gary over the past five months. We would also like to recognize the deepest kindness extended to Gary and Margaret from their neighbors. Lastly, we would also like to thank The Springs Funeral Services for their comforting assistance during this most difficult time.

A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., with a memorial Mass to follow at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N. Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, Colo. with the Reverend Paul Wicker officiating. A luncheon will be held following the service.

Donations may be made in Gary’s name to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care in care of The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colo., www.thespringsfuneralservices.com.

Funeral arrangements by

The Springs Funeral Services**

3115 East Platte Avenue

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

719-328-1793