Howard A. Cooper

Howard A. Cooper, 89, of Lewistown, passed peacefully from natural causes on Friday, March 30, 2018 at Haven Hospice Home, Jacksonville, Florida. Howard was born December 28, 1928 in Bozeman, Montana to William and Mabel Cooper. He received his schooling in Manhattan, graduating in 1946. Howard later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years with the 2^nd Armored Division in Germany. After returning from overseas, he enrolled at Western Montana College in Dillon, earning a B.S. in Education. While there, Howard met his future wife, Shirley Crosser. They were united in marriage in 1954. Howard and Shirley were blessed with two daughters, Teri and Leslie.

They settled in Lewistown where Howard accepted a teaching position at Fergus High, teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Math. He later received a Master's in Education from Montana State University in Bozeman. Howard continued teaching until his retirement in 1987. Howard took pride in his teaching and educating many students over his career.

Howard loved the outdoors, hunting in the fall, and fishing year-round. He enjoyed endless hours of fishing with his grandchildren and many friends. Howard's passion for the great outdoors lives on through them.

He was a member of several civic organizations throughout the community and was a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge of Lewistown.

Howard is survived by two daughters Teri Olsen (Bill Stiff) of Grass Range and Leslie (Patrick) O'Brien of Jacksonville, FL; one sister Joy Gover of Stevensville, MT; four grandchildren Kayla Olsen, Lauren O'Brien, Clint (Kodie) Olsen and Casey Olsen; two great grandsons Kane and Cord Olsen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Shirley, his parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

A celebration of Howard's life will be held June 30^th from 2 to 4 pm at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown. At his request, cremation has taken place with committal in Central Montana Memorial Gardens with his wife. Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Veteran's Park in Lewistown or Haven Hospice Home of Orange Park, Florida and they may be left at Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.