Leland Cooper

Leland D. Cooper, 97, of Clayton, passed away on September 28, 2022.  He was born on November 16, 1924 to the late Chester and Avis Cooper of Clayton, IN on the same farm he died.  Leland was a 1942 Graduate of Clayton High School.  He later married Linda Peyton, of Clayton, they were married for 74 years until her death in March of 2020.  Leland is survived by two sons, Michael (Ruth) Cooper, Daniel (Jo) Cooper, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren.  He was a member of the Belleville Bible Church.  As his father Chester before him, Leland was a farmer during his early years, sheared sheep professionally, raised and trained champion Border Collies along with Suffolk Sheep.  He would continue to shear sheep until retirement.  Leland was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He traveled into Canada and various states in the US with friends in his leisure time. Other activities in retirement included playing in three different bands. Leland was a gifted saxophone player adding a smooth sound to the Big Band music he loved to play.  With his wife Linda, Leland spent many hours traveling across the U.S. and would later discover international travel.  First to the British Isles, then Cruises to Russia, Estonia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Italy.  When asked his favorite place to visit, Leland would always say “The Middle East tour to Israel and Egypt,” Egypt being his favorite.  Most importantly Leland’s hope and blessed assurance was in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.  Funeral services will be on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home where friends may visit from 11:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm.  Burial will follow in Clayton Cemetery.