Joseph K. Cooper

Joseph K. “Joe” Cooper, 80, of Lake Charles passed away on September 2, 2024. 

Born on January 24, 1944 in Sebring, FL, he graduated from Sebring High School and earned a B.S. degree in Business from Northwestern State University where he met his wife, Elaine, of 53 years. He spent his professional career in oil and gas, land management, and farming timber. He managed 75,000+ acres for various land holding companies, including his own personal lands until his retirement. He left a legacy of land ownership and stewardship for his children and grandchildren. His passions included operating his heavy equipment on his pine plantations, working in his yard, traveling, restoring a 1928 Model A Ford and watching his grandchildren play sports. 

He is survived by his wife, Elaine McFatter Cooper, children: Loren Cooper, Laura Lynn Cooper Pastorek (Jordan), Derek Cooper and Kellie Cooper Smith (Eric). He was “Granddad” to his 7 grandchildren: Avery and Lenny Cooper, Jack, Lindsay, and Laci Pastorek, and Cooper and Parker Smith. He is also survived by his brother, James T. (Charlotte) Cooper of Sebring, FL, and many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Lynn Siak of Oviedo, FL.

Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. 

A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Saturday. Rev. Bill Saxby will officiate. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy www.nature.org.