Erle Franklin Cooper

Erle Franklin Cooper was born on June 14, 1920 in Texhoma, Oklahoma. He was the son of Homer E. and Grace (McAfee) Cooper.

Erle graduated from Oregon High School. He then served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was stationed overseas in Africa and Italy. Erle worked as a banker at Citizens Bank of Oregon.

On April 20, 1946 he married Zella M. Noland in Troy, Kansas. They became parents of one daughter. Zella passed away in 2007.

Erle passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at a St. Joseph hospital at the age of 91.

In addition to his wife, Zella, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Aithel Cooper; sisters, Wilma Derr and Faye Kirk; and son-in-law, Roger Lee.

Survivors include his daughter, Laura L. Lee of Lansing, Kansas; three grandchildren and their spouses, Jason D. and Melissa Smith, Jeffery C. and Jamie Smith, and Jennifer Smith; three great grandchildren, Asa H., Quin, and Reese Smith; and nieces and nephews.

Erle was a member of the Oregon Christian Church, the VFW, and the Harris E. Petree American Legion Post #190. He was also a member and past president of the Oregon school board.

Service were held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Chamberlain Funeral Home in Oregon. Interment with full military honors was held at the Maple Grove Cemetery.