On Air Now Enjoy The Music of KCAX on Branson 4U
Listen Live

Donald Lee “Don” Cooper

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 3:54 PM

By Brittany Gasama

Donald Lee “Don” Cooper, age 89, passed away on March 11, 2026.

Donald Lee “Don” Cooper, age 89 of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away Wednesday, March 11, at his home.

He was born April 14, 1936 in Shell Knob, the son of Arl and Ida (Whisman) Cooper. On December 17, 1960 in Granby, Missouri he was united in marriage to Sonja Sanders, who preceded him in death on November 22, 2024. Also preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Penny Cooper Bailey.

Surviving are his son, Russell Arl Cooper of Shell Knob; daughter, Julia Donetta Cooper Riggs and husband John of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister, Arlene Garland and husband Sanford of Shell Knob; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Don graduated from Cassville High School with the Class of 1954 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, he devoted 28 years to protecting and serving others as a firefighter with the North Kansas City Fire Department until his retirement. While working as a firefighter, he also ran his own business pouring concrete, as well as helping his mom run her farm whenever time would allow. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing stock cars. He and Sonja enjoyed square dancing through the years, and he was so proud of the matching outfits Sonja would sew for them, and that they had traveled to all 50 states. After retirement from North Kansas City Fire Department, he moved back to Shell Knob and  became a full-time cattle farmer. He was a member of Lohmer Full Gospel. Don will be missed by all that knew and loved him. 

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Lohmer Full Gospel in Shell Knob. Pastor David Donaldson will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be at Painter Cemetery in Shell Knob, Missouri.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Monday at Lohmer Full Gospel in Shell Knob.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences
FOHN FUNERAL HOME
Cassville, Missouri
417-847-2141

Share

More from Obituary

Ways To Listen to KCAX Branson 4U

  • Download The App that Fits Your Lifestyle

    Click the links below if you have an Apple or Android phone to download our app. This will let you listen to us no matter where you are. On the lake? No problem, In another country? No problem. If you use Alexa at home, just say "Alexa, Play Branson4u" no matter where you live.

  • Apple store

    Download here if you have an Apple device, including iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
    This will place our app directly on the desktop of your device, making it easy to
    access with just a click. Plus, our app is compatible with Apple CarPlay, so you can
    seamlessly use it in your car too!

  • Google Play

    Download here if you have an Android device, including phone, tablet, or computer.
    This will place our app directly on the home screen of your device, making it easy to
    access with just a tap. Plus, our app is compatible with Android Auto, so you can seamlessly
    use it in your car too!

  • Alexa

    If you use Alexa at home, just say "Alexa, Play Branson4u" no matter where you live.
    Download Alexa here!

Weather on KCAX Branson 4U

Automatic Popup