Obituary: Cooperider

Robert Eugene Cooperider passed away from this life on December 29, 2025, at HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was born in Fairbury, IL on January 18, 1947, the son of Wendell and Josephine (Brucker) Cooperider. He spent his formative years in Cropsey, IL where he lived with his brother and sisters. During these years he worked on his parents’ farm, other local farms and building grain elevators. After graduating from Fairbury Cropsey High School in Fairbury, IL he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture located in Spring Green, WI and Scottsdale, AZ. He worked in Scottsdale as a self-employed electrician, and he also worked for the city of Youngtown as building inspector from which he retired. Not ready to completely retire he worked for Utility Contractors Co, Mesa, AZ for a period.

Robert is survived by his brother Stanley (Susan) Cooperider, Springfield, IL; two sisters, Beverly Bratcher, Bloomington, IL; Reta Thames, Mackinaw, IL; many nieces and nephews and their families. Also, one uncle, many cousins and his dear friend Mary Taylor, Phoenix, AZ.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, niece Stephanie Cooperider, brother-in-law Phillip Thames, and his cousin and best friend Roger Taylor.

Robert’s ashes will be interred with graveside services at the Cropsey Cemetery in Cropsey, IL at later date.

Donations in memory of Robert can be made to Cropsey Arca Community Park Project care of Cindy Helmers, #3 Oak Grove Rd., Fairbury, IL 61739.