Gene Cooper

Gene Raymond Cooper departed his earthly home to join his father in heaven on Thursday, June 6, 2019.

Gene was born on June 22, 1940 at home in Cumby, Texas. He was the eldest of three children born to Dessie Faye and Jessie R. Cooper. He graduated Channelview High School and attended Tyler Junior College where he met his soulmate, Billie Lowe. On their first date, he was the perfect gentleman, and has been throughout his life even until his last breath.

Gene and Billie married on June 30, 1962 at Central Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas. They moved to Houston where Gene worked in the Steel Pipe business. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1963 and served his country for six years. During this time, he also enrolled at University of Houston where he completed courses for a real estate career.

Gene and Billie were blessed to have two beautiful girls, Kimberly Rachelle and Kristie Renee. His three girls were his everything. He spoiled them and never missed a special milestone or event in their lives.

Gene and Billie moved to Brenham in 1989 where they were co-owners of Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center from 1989-2013. During this time, Gene held the most upmost respect and love for their patients and loved ones. He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Gene was ordained as a Deacon on September 25, 1983 at Quail Valley Baptist Church in Missouri City, Texas. After the family moved to Brenham, he carried over the duties of Deacon at Brenham's First Baptist Church. Gene was a Master Mason at Graham Lodge #20 AF & FM. He was also a member of the Arabia Shrine Temple and Past President of Brenham Shrine Club.

Grandchildren were his everything. He enjoyed spending time playing checkers and Wahoo games with them and fishing/boating at their river house on the San Bernard River. He loved the outdoors and bird watching. He could name almost any bird he saw. Gene was such a people person. He always had a smile on his face and hummed a tune everywhere he went. He was also a man of God. He loved his Lord and Savior, and we know he was greeted at those pearly gates with open arms by Jesus and his Kim, that he has terribly missed for 19 years.

Gene (affectionately known as Papa) is survived by his wife, Billie of 56 years; daughter and son in law, Kristie & Luis Mendoza; son in law, Philip Rodriguez; grandchildren, Jordan and Connor Rodriguez and Kinsley & Landry Mendoza. He is also survived by his sisters, Colene Ellis and Jane (Paul) Moore; a niece; nephews; and other family and friends that loved and adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first born, Kimberly Rachelle Cooper Rodriguez.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral service to celebrate the life of a wonderful husband, dad, papa and friend will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Brenham. Burial will be immediately following at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Brenham’s First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham, TX, 979-836-4564. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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