Sunrise: January 12, 1939 – Sunset: May 12,2026
Service: SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 @ 02:30 P.M.
OLD BETHLEHEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
5306 FM 2039 – Caldwell, Texas 77836
Chester Lee Cooper, the son of Rosie Lee Lewis, was born on January
12, 1939, in Tunis, Texas. Chester (John) attended Snook Independent Public Schools and was active in sports during his high school years, especially football. He then graduated from Jones High School in Snook, Texas.
He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and
rededicated his life. Chester began a lifelong career in the automotive industry at a young age,
learning mechanic work alongside his uncle, Sam Hornsby. He married Barbara in 1959, and together they had five children: Patricia, Kaye, Elvis “Lil’ Man”, Sheila, and Karen Cooper. The family made their home in Rawlins, Wyoming, where Chester worked for Liebers Automotive and later JA Chevrolet Cadillac, specializing in engine repair. In 1974, he relocated to Scottsbluff, where he founded H&C Automotive. Through Automotive sales, repair, and painting
services, Chester became well known throughout the community and
outlying areas for his hard work and dedication, operating the business
until his retirement.
He was a proud member of the American Legion in Gering NE. In his
free time, Chester enjoyed fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and raising
pigs, playing dominoes, Karaoke, and rodeos, and spending time with
family and friends.
Chester transitioned on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from his earthly home
to be with his Heavenly Father. He joined the ranks of those who
preceded him in death: his mother, Rosie Lee Louis, his son, Elvis
Cooper; his daughter, Karen Cooper; his sisters, Armella Robinson,
Leona Hornsby, and Lee Willie Jefferson; his brothers, Arnester Jones
and Robert Louis.
Chester (John) leaves to cherish in his memory his wife, Barbara
Cooper; his daughters, Patricia Cooper of Rawlins, WY, Kaye Saunders
of Scottsbluff, NE, Sheila Hale of Deer Park, NY, Carrie Arguello of
Fort Collins, CO; his son, Chester Arguello of New Braunfels, TX; his
brother, Willie Lee Louis (Joyce) of Tunis, TX; 18 grandchildren; 27
great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a family tree
filled with nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.