Thomas "Tom" Cooper

Thomas "Tom" Edison Cooper, 94, of Hobart, IN, formerly of Iuka, MS, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. He was a WWII Veteran of the 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed". He was a graduate of Biggersville High School after serving in the South Pacific and China. Tom was of a large family from his parents, Robert and Jessie Cooper. He had 14 siblings which included triplets and twins born 15 months apart, so being the oldest boy he often had a sibling on his lap and took on the role of big brother looking out for the family. He has numerous relatives that remain in Northeast Mississippi, California, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Indiana and Wisconsin. Tom married Lois Lindsey and they had two children, Gail Mathas and Thomas L. Cooper. Later in life he married Joy Honeycutt of Iuka. He attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College and later in his professional career he attended the University of Minnesota and Harvard School of Business for continuing education. Post war he moved north for work at Taylor Forge in Gary, IN and then spent most of his career with the International Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, and Iron Shipbuilders Union in the greater Chicago area. As many War Vets did, Thomas rose to be a leader in his field becoming the youngest International Vice President with responsibility for 13 states. He sat on National Committees influencing Washington policy. Thomas retired to his tractor in Iuka for many years, getting back to his roots and close to his two living siblings, Alice Thrasher and Harold Cooper. Recently he moved to assisted living in Hobart, IN near his children, Gail and Tommy. With his soul in Heaven, his earthly body is returned to its final resting place of his early memories in Northeast Mississippi. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 1pm until 3pm, Sunday, July 19, 2020 at The Bridge in Burnsville. Service is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 3pm at The Bridge in Burnsville, officiated by Billy Glover. Burial will be in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.