Walt Cooper passed away April 1 in Baker City, surrounded by family.

Walt was born Sept. 26, 1931, in Cabool, Mo., to Elmer Cooper Sr. and Inola (Hill) Cooper. He worked with his dad driving logging trucks as a teen, and served two stints in the Army in 1949, starting at the age of 18.

After leaving the Army in 1950, he worked in Parma, Idaho, where he met his first wife, Gloria McOmber. He and Gloria had two sons, Race Arthur Cooper and Walter Royce Cooper. They later divorced.

During his second enlistment in the Army, Walt was stationed in Puerto Rico as a cryptographer from 1961 to 1964. Upon his return, he met Christine Hill. They were married in 1965, and had three children, Rae, Casey, and Will. They later divorced.

Walt drove a bus for Trailways for more than 20 years, receiving awards recognizing his service and safety record. He was also an avid ham radio operator, skilled musician, and community servant. As WA7VGR, he ran “patches” for military personnel stationed overseas, allowing them to speak with their loved ones before satellite phones and the Internet. Additionally, he was active in Search and Rescue, The Oregon Emergency Net, M.A.R.S., and other organizations providing communication services. Walt was a great guitar picker and longtime member of the Old Time Fiddlers Association. He helped create the Country Music Jamboree in Burns. Not only did he emcee the jamboree the majority of the time, you would also see him teaching the youngsters, passing on his love and knowledge of music.

Walt is survived by his daughter, Rae Cooper (Ryan Keck); sons, Casey Cooper and Will Cooper; daughter-in-law, Susan Ackerman; brothers, Chuck (Wendy) Cooper, Elmer (Herta) Cooper Jr., Jim (Doris) Cooper, and Gary Cooper; sister, June (Tom) Nichols; six grandkids; six great-grandkids; and numerous nieces and nephews, grand and otherwise, all of which he absolutely adored.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tom Cooper and Jack Cooper; sister, Anna Jones; and sons, Race Cooper and Royce Cooper Ackerman.

A memorial service will be held July 20 in Burns, with the location to be determined at a later date. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.