William P. Cooper, 90, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at The Laurels of Defiance.

He was born on July 28, 1926 to Ernest and Blanche (Klaar) Cooper in Defiance. In 1948 he married Martha (Pfahlert) Cooper, who resides in Defiance.

William proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during W.W.II.  He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, past Treasurer of Church Council, Sunday School Superintendent, president of the Men's Brotherhood, a youth leader, and member of the Chancel Choir. William worked at Johns Manville for 23 years, retiring in 1991. Prior to working at Manville, he worked with his father at E.A. Cooper & Sons Plumbing in Defiance.

William will be sadly missed by his loving spouse of  68 years, Martha Cooper of Defiance, sons Craig (Beverly) Cooper, Phillip Cooper, and  Martin (Troy Thomas) Cooper, all of Houston, Texas, and Jeff (Lucinda) Cooper of Bowling Green, Ohio, and three grandchildren, Vanessa Cooper of El Salvadore, Alexandra Cooper of Austin, Texas, and Lizette Cooper of Bowling Green, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald and Ernest J. Cooper, sisters LaVern Farris, Mary Lou Keller, and Evelyn Mehring.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Defiance, with Rev. David Brobston officiating.  Entombment will follow at  Riverview Memory Gardens, with military rites accorded by VFW Post  #3360.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church.