Aymond Cooper

STURDIVANT, Mo. -- Aymond "Bud" Cooper, 78, of Cahokia, Ill., passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, Ill.

He was born Oct. 13, 1926, in Sturdivant, son of John and Rosa Cooper. He married Bettie Thorp.

Mr. Cooper was retired from Southern Equipment Co. in St. Louis. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 202 of St. Louis, and an avid fisherman.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Marsha (Richard) Gribbon of Cary, N.C., Shelba (Dan) Brown of Benton, Ill.; six grandchildren, Dori (Brian) Sandall, Laura (Wiley) Whatley, Tina (Dave Edmundson) Adams, Casey (Dean) Harmon, Natalie Gribbon, Nicholas Cooper Gribbon; five great-grandchildren, Collin, Traci Sue, Riley, Meygan and Mathew. Bud had numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Thomas Hayden; a brother, Raymond Cooper; and three sisters, Leona Myers, Opal Walker and Amy Gowan.

Friends may call at Braun Colonial Funeral Home in Cahokia from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rockpoint Cemetery in Advance, Mo.

Morgan Funeral Home in Advance is in charge of local arrangements.

Dad, may you never lose a fish nor be without a cigarette and coffee. Walk in peace with your family.