Donald 'Don' Cooper of Harrisburg

Donald "Don" Cooper, age 90, of Harrisburg, passed away at 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at the Marion VA Medical Center.

Don was born on March 24, 1931 in Eldorado, to the late Everett and Stella (Jones) Cooper. He married Barbara Webb on June 10, 1951 and she preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 2012.

Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and served in country during the Korean Conflict. Following his time in service, he became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, delivering mail all over Harrisburg.

Don never forgot his time in uniform and made it his life's mission to serve veterans from that time forward. Don was the founder of "Little Arlington" in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg. The city of Harrisburg honored Don by naming that portion of the cemetery after him.

Don also established a weightlifting program for the Harrisburg High School athletic department. He remained active for many years, helping young men and women become stronger athletes.

Don, accompanied on piano by his wife Barbara, was an active song leader in many churches across southern Illinois for more than 60 years. Most recently, Don was an active member at Gaskin City Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg.

Don is survived by his son, Terry (Linda) Cooper of Evansville, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Barbara.

Funeral services for Donald "Don" Cooper will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The Revs. Mike Smith and Scott Johnson will officiate.

Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Reed Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions in Don's memory may be made to the Veterans Memorial Preservation Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left for the family on Don's obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.