Lawrence Davis Cooper

Dr. Lawrence Davis Cooper September 5, 1909 - May 7, 2007 Dr. Lawrence Davis Cooper 93, from Hancock County, Indiana died May 7, 2007. He was born September 5th in Harlan County, Kentucky to Giles and Rose Cooper and grew-up "back of Pine Mountain" as the oldest of 5 boys and 2 girls. He is survived by his wife for over 65-years, the lovely Nellie Jane Lee from Fairview, Indiana. He has one son, Stephen Philip Cooper, daughter- in-law, Patricia Sweeney Cooper, and three grandchildren: Lawrence Thomas Cooper, Logan Patrick Cooper, and Larkin Elizabeth Nellie Cooper. As a youngster in Appalachia, he farmed, mined coal and completed the 8th grade. At 13, he joined the Army and served in the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. After the military, he went to Benham, Kentucky to work for International Harvester mining coal. After a work-slowdown, he sought employment in Brownstown, Indiana where he became a farm manager. During this period he began preaching to neighbors. On their encouragement, he resurrected the then closed Mount Zion Methodist Church. In order to pursue a career in the church, he needed more education. He completed high school at special department of Berea College. Soon after, he attended Hanover College where he graduated cum laude. He then earned a masters degree from Drew University and in 1950 Hanover College conferred upon him a doctorate. Over a nearly 50-year career in the Methodist Church, he served in a variety of positions including the senior minister in the Indianapolis area Forest Manor and Lawrence Methodist Churches and as a superintendent of 117 churches in the Vincennes region. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 77-years. He was a Past Master of Washington Lodge #13, Free & Accepted Masons in Brownstown and a member of the Seymour York and Indianapolis Scottish Rites. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 oclock Wednesday evening at the Pasco-Stillinger Funeral Home in Greenfield. The funeral will be at the Eden United Methodist Church in Eden at 1 oclock Thursday afternoon. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Gifts may be made in his name to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation or the Eden United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.