Ralph W. Cooper, 90, of Brownsville, Texas, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Sunshine Haven, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Oak Ridge, Roatan, Honduras on December 30, 1933.
Ralph W. Cooper joined the Merchant Marines when he was 20 years old. Then, he worked on the Calypso Cruise liner ship for a few years. Later, he arrived in South Texas in 1965. He dedicated his life to becoming a Captain and working at sea was his delight. He owned a fleet of shrimp boats and had a strong work ethic. He treated his crew members fairly and often mentioned how everyone was worthy of their wages. He exemplified honesty in the work place. He loved his wife and his entire family very much and enjoyed spending time with them. In his last years he enjoyed spending time in the garden and watching cowboy movies.
He is preceded in death by his parents Emerson and Della Cooper; his sisters Ruth Tatum and Elsa Alfaro; and his brother John Cooper.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Alba Cooper; his children Della Benavides (Noe) and Debbie Gonzalez (Ronnie); his sister Sadie (John) Wentworth; his granddaughters Nicole Castañeda (Julio), Abigail Benavidez, Lauren Gonzalez, and Ellie Gonzalez; his grandson Travis Gonzalez; and his great grandchildren Violet Castañeda and Tobias Castillo.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. The chapel opens at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 with a chapel service scheduled at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers are Noe Benavides, Ronnie Gonzalez, Rupert Bodden, Felipe Avalos, Anselmo Garza and Victor Avalos. Interment is to follow at 3:00 p.m. to Buena Vista Burial Park.
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mr. Ralph W. Cooper please visit Shalom Sympathy Florals at Sunset Memorial, place your order online at https://shalomflorals.com/shop or call (956) 572-3872.
1 Comment
I only heard of Ralph growing up, but I never had the privilege of meeting him. His dad, Uncle Emerson, was my dad’s (John Spurgeon Cooper) brother. Ralph moved away when I was just one year old, but it seems like he lived live to it fullest and was surrounded by people who really loved and cared for him. May the family be comforted knowing that heaven has gained an angel!
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