Grover L. Cooper

Grover L. Cooper, 84, of Lee’s Summit, MO, formerly of Jonesboro, AR, passed away August 21, 2016 at the John Knox Village Care Center. A visitation will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. service on Friday, August 26, at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. Graveside services will be held at Mound Grove Cemetery. Grover was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was born December 9, 1931 in Izard County, AR to Roscoe and Olma (Sherrill) Cooper. After graduating from Oxford High School, he received a basketball scholarship to Beebe Junior College, which led to a two-year scholarship to Arkansas A&M in Monticello. Grover was a basketball coach and teacher at Valley View High School, in which he led his team to a state championship in 1956. He was a basketball coach at Hickory Ridge for 9 years, leading teams to two state finals. He was superintendent at Cross County School District from 1966-1985. He was superintendent at Westside Consolidated School District from 1985-1998. He retired in 1998. Grover dearly loved his family, friends, players and students. These relationships meant everything to him. He was a mentor, a friend, and a leader who was grateful for all of the blessings life offered. Grover was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Jean Cooper and Johnnie Cooper-Reeves. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Euva Cooper; two sons, Ricky Cooper and wife Tami, Roger Cooper and wife Patricia; four grandchildren, Kaatie Cooper, Jac Cooper, Haley Stewart and husband Dylan, Dalton Scott; one great grandson, Cooper Stewart; and two sister’s-in-law, Carol Benkovich and Junie Brown and husband Terry. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)