John Ragle Cooper, 78 of Destin, Florida and formerly of Clay City, Illinois, passed away on January 21 2025, at his home in Destin, surrounded by his loving family.

      John was born on July 10, 1946, in Terre Haute, Indiana, son of Arthur and Elsie (Benjamin) Cooper and raised by his grandparents, Floyd and Sopha Cooper. John had been married to Linda Rabe and later remarried Rosalie (Rose) Fehrenbacher.

      John proudly served in the United States Army from December 1965 to April 1967 with a tour of duty in Vietnam, earning several medals and honors. He had an awesome career at Snap Photo in the photofinishing business for over 40 years in Evansville, Indiana. He was a wealth of knowledge who could recall facts from countless movies, books and the Bible.  He enjoyed collecting knives and guns, showcasing an excellent marksman's eye. He was an avid reader and often would read two novels at one time. His favorite author was Elmore Leonard and he enjoyed watching old western films.  He was an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump.  Above all, John was fiercely loyal to his country, his family and his friends.

      He is survived by his wife: Rose Cooper of Destin Florida;  6 daughters: Terri (James) Peters, Dawn Cooper, Deborah Cooper, and Carla Cooper all of Evansville, Indiana and Julie Sadler and Nikki McCotter of Destin, Florida;  brother: Mike Cooper of Terre Haute, Indiana; 15 grandchildren: Caleb (Katy) Peters, Nathan (Whitney) Peters, Rylan Peters, Kaya (Jake) Duckworth, Lundon Mathews, Ainsley Mathews, Moses Mathews, Bella Rose Mathews, Titus Mathews, Elias Mathews, Kimberly Sadler, Ryan Sadler, Jessica Clark, Jay David McCotter and Jordan McCotter; 10 great-grandchildren: Ruth Peters, Jude Peters, Lydia Peters, Daisy Rae Peters, Lorelie Duckworth, Lucy Duckworth, Theodore Duckworth, Lexton Cox, Kallie Keyes and Jacie Cox; and several nieces and nephews. 

      He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; daughter Kathy Clark; 4 brothers: Richard Cooper, Donald Jennings, Phillip Jennings and David Cooper.

      A celebration of John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday  April 12, 2025, at the Clay City Community Center in Clay City, Illinois with the presentation of Military Funeral Honors to follow. Memorials are suggested to Clay City/Sailor Springs American Legion Post 230.