William "Bill" Cleveland Cooper

William “Bill” Cooper, 86, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 in Claremore, OK. Bill was born March 20, 1926 in Talala, OK. To William Frank and Neevil Martin Cooper. Growing up, Bill helped his father by working on the family farm. He would later leave the farm to become an aircraft painter at Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa.

Bill served his country in the Army as a field lineman in Germany. Then in 1946, he married Thelma June Steep. They were married for 65 years until June’s passing in 2011. Together, they had one daughter, Debra Kaye Cooper.

Around 1965 Bill and June opened up a filling station and salvage yard south of Oologah. He always had a passion for cars. He loved working on them and building race cars as well. Many weekends were spent at the Tulsa Speedway.

Bill retired from P.S.O. in the mid 1980’s.

Bill and June survived the 1991 tornado that destroyed their home just north of the Oologah School. They built a house in Tacora Hills shortly after the tornado. And yes, the cellar was built before the house was started.

He is survived by his sister, Faye Brazeal and her husband Audie of Pryor, OK. Daughter, Debra K. Sligar and her husband Bobby Joe of Talala, OK. Grand-daughter Jodi McDaniel of Oologah, OK. Great grand-daughter Ashley Pate and husband Sean of San Diego, CA. And, great grand-daughter Macy McDaniel of Oologah.

A graveside service will be conducted at Oak Hill Cemetery on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Claude Strong officiating. Services are under the direction of Oologah Dolton Funeral Homes.