Obituary
James Vernon Cooper, 87, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri departed this earth to his heavenly home on January 2, 2024.
Vernon was born on February 23, 1936, to Gus and Ava Cooper in Vendor, Arkansas. After high school Vernon proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Later he attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. He then received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee.
In 1958 he married the love of his life, Hazel Dean Smith. Together they had four children, Verna, Marie, Jason, and Dawn.
In 1969 Vernon took a job in Kansas City, Missouri working as the administrator of Highlands Child Placement Center. During his 22-year career over 500 loving families across the country adopted children from Highlands. Vernon lovingly prayed for God’s direction with every single child and family he placed throughout his ministry. After Highlands, Vernon continued his ministry at Hannah’s House in Louisville, Kentucky where he remained until his retirement.
After retirement, Vernon stayed busy as everyone’s favorite substitute teacher for the Lee’s Summit School District. He was an avid Kansas City sports fan, cheering on the Chiefs and Royals. And of course, the Arkansas Razorbacks. Woo Pig Sooie!
Vernon’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with all his heart. He and Hazel attended a multitude of their games, programs, concerts, and celebrations. He also dearly loved numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Ava Cooper, and brothers, Lewell Cooper, George Cooper, and Boyd Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel, his children, Verna Collier (Jack), Marie Harder (Wayne), Jason Cooper (Michelle), Dawn Crosley (Phil), ten grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and two more on the way.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri 10:00-12:00 with a service following at noon. Interment will be at noon at Smith Cemetery in Vendor, Arkansas on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Memorial donations may be sent to Smith Cemetery HC 72 Box 82 Jasper, Arkansas 72641 in honor of Vernon Cooper.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Dear Hazel and family,
We have such fond memories of Vernon from the time he served at Evangel World Prayer Center, Louisville, KY. It was our special pleasure to be neighbors. He was a kind and compassionate man. He did so many great things for the Kingdom of God. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Kevin & Robyn McKnight
This man is our hero! because of him and his involvement through Highlands Child Placement…we have enjoyed the position of mom and dad to Michael and Tonya! 2 years old and 10 weeks old when they were welcomed into our homes….Mike 48 years ago and Tonya 42 years ago!
We have stayed in touch with Vernon and Hazel for 48 years. It was my privilege to bestow on them all the Mary Kay and Mr K their laps would hold at our house.Bruce bought him a Blazer (jacket) …. I tried to earn him the Mary Kay car….the Mini COOPER …but I fell short in my Unit production snd bought him a battery operated toy Mini Cooper instead. For the past several years Hazel and Vernon sent us a BOX of peanut brittle in November.
A month ago we received our box and I have been enjoying it every day to the tune of gaining 4 pounds!!!
We rejoice that we will all be together around the throne someday…soon! We love you a Brother Cooper! – the Menzies
To know Vernon and Hazel is to love them. I was so saddened to hear that Vernon is no longer here on earth, and yet I rejoice for his being Home. My prayer is for you, Hazel, and all of your children and grandchildren to be surrounded by the comfort of the Holy Spirit. We love you.
Sherry Rodgers Holt
Louisville, KY
Marie and Wayne and all your family, we will be thinking about you through your time of sorrow next week and pray all of you get through all of it safe. We know God will be watching over you.
Love you, Chet, Louise and family
Our condolences to the entire family of Mr. Cooper. He handled our Home Study in the adoption of our now 32 year old daughter from Louisville, KY while he was at Hannah’s House. He was such a blessing to us and our family. So thankful for his work in loving and creating families. We know he’s receiving his reward now. Prayers for those left behind who will miss him so.
Good guy- many good yrs at calvary assembly where I first met him-🌟☮️
I’m blessed to have known Mr. Cooper. He was a great man , special person and such a kind sub for us at Hurley school.
Peace be with you…..
I’m so sorry for your loss of the most kind and beloved Veron Cooper. But heaven is rejoicing over Vernon’s arrival. My prayers are with the Cooper family and all who loved him.
We were so sorry to hear of Brother Coopers Passing ! He really Touched our Lives ! We are so Grateful & Blessed for the time we spent with him at Highlands & Hanna’s House. He will always have a Special Place in our Hearts.
Our Thoughts & Prayers go with his Family !
Don & Bonnie