Sammie J. Cooper

Sam Cooper died Monday March 21st on the day after his 77th birthday. A celebration of life will be held on Friday March 25th. Visitation will be held between 6:00-8:30 p.m. with services at 7:30 at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave, Independence. He was the last sibling in a family of gifted athletes. He leaves his son Mark Cooper & his daughter Debra Arbuthnot and his pride and joy, three grandchildren Cole Cooper, Tim and Tami Arbuthnot. Sam was born in Atherton, MO and grew up in Independence. His father Bob Cooper, a rural mail carrier and his mother Vernie Mae raised a family of 6 boys and a girl. All excelled in sports and two brothers, Walker & Mort, played baseball, for many years, in the major leagues. Sam signed with the St. Louis Cardinals when he was just 15 years old; later going on to spring training with Pittsburgh and playing in the American Association. While a starting pitcher at Denver, he was drafted into the Army and played baseball all over Europe with the Army of Occupation. After his Honorable discharge, he worked as a personal Valet to Harry James and the two developed a lifelong friendship Sam was a man�s man, a scratch golfer, a 1st class pool player, an avid fisherman and a top notch Quail and duck hunter. He lived the life he wanted to live and all who knew him had a firm admiration for him. Sam will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children�s Mercy Hospital in the name of Sam and Clayton Cooper.