Logan, Norton
9/27/1908 – 8/6/2003
Dr. Arthur E. Cooper, 94, died August 6, 2003, at Brighton Gardens Nursing Home in Prairie Village.
Dr Cooper was born Sept. 27, 1908 at Kenosha, Wisconsin, the son of David and Louisa (Adams) Cooper. Following graduation from high school in Chicago, he attended the University of Illinois where he received his M.D. degree in 1934.
During his residency in Beloit, he met Mary Finch, a surgical nurse. After he started a general practice in Logan in 1936, they married in 1937.
In 1943, Dr. Cooper entered the U.S. Navy treating the first causalities from the Normandy invasion at the Royal Victoria Hospital near South Hampton, England .He later served in the South Pacific and was discharged as a lieutenant commander in May 1946.
After World War II, Dr and Mrs. Cooper and their sons Barry and Linn, moved to Norton where he established a solo practice, including obstetrics and some surgery. He retired in 1971.
He was a member of the American Medical Association, Northwest Kansas Medical Society, the American Legion and the Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Cooper served 20 years as medical advisor to the Norton County Selective service; 15 years as city physician; provided medical support in the early years of Valley Hope; and was past president of the hospital medical staff. He was the American father to American Field Service student Guido Petrini from Italy in 1962-63.
Dr. and Mrs. Cooper enjoyed an active retirement. “Doc” as he was called by friends, was an enthusiastic sportsman, playing golf year-round and spent the last 32 winters in Sun City, Arizona. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. He was considered to be a man of wisdom and integrity.
Dr. Cooper was preceded in death by his wife, seven brothers and sisters and a grandson Brent.
He is survived by sons Barry and Suzanne Cooper of Mission Hills and Linn and Evonne Cooper of Tonganoxie; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday in the First United Methodist Church, Norton.
Donations may be made in his memorial to Norton County Hospital, 102 E. Holme, Norton, Kans., 67654.