Obituary of Charles LaRue Cooper

Charles Cooper, age 86 of Covington, PA, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at his home. Charles was born June 7, 1935, in Elmira, NY, a son of Erwin and Anna (Smith) Cooper. Charles founded and owned Cooper's Sporting Goods in Mansfield, PA, for 34 years, until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Lamb's Creek and Covington Sportsmen's Club, Mansfield Marauders color guard and the Jaycees, as well as being a lifetime member of the Mansfield Hose Company. Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and "front porch sitting" with family and friends. Charles is survived by sons Steven Cooper of Walworth, NY, and Charles "Mike" (Catherine Cowley-Cooper) Cooper of Niskayuna, NY; daughters Cheryl (Edward) Sheffield of Millport, NY, and Cynthia "Cinny" (Richard) Mapes of Batavia, NY; daughter-in-law Patricia Cooper of Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren Roy, A.J., Audrey, Toby and Erin; great grandchildren Jaina and Ben; sister Frances (Richard) McKinstry of Rydal, PA; and his loving companion Vester Ensminger of Mainesburg, PA, and her daughter Karen. Charles was predeceased by his wife Karen (Whittaker) Cooper, brother the Rev. Erwin "Bub" Cooper, and sister Evelyn Shaw. Friends and family are invited to call Friday, April 8, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Buckheit Funeral Chapel, 637 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA, with a memorial service following at 3:00 PM with Pastor Kitty Keller officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Mansfield Hose Company, 381 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.