David (Dave) Edward Cooper

David Edward Cooper
David Edward Cooper

David (Dave) Edward Cooper, 84, passed peacefully into Christ’s arms on November 22, 2022.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 A.M., Friday, December 2, 2022, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Dave was born the youngest of 9 children on February 7th, 1938, in Fort Worth Texas to Floyd and Ethel Cooper. He will ultimately outlive them all. Floyd died not long after Dave was born leaving Ethel to raise 9 children during the depression. From an early age everyone was expected to go to work, thus creating a work ethic that would last his entire career.

Dave’s genesis in the grocery business began in 1943 after being caught filling his pockets with candy at the local A & R grocery. He went to work paying for the candy, sweeping floors, and straightening shelves. He would never steal again.

In the late 40’s Dave became very involved in the Panther Boys Club. This is what kept him off the streets and gave him a safe place to go when he wasn’t working or going to school. He would often say his time at the PBC changed the direction of his life.

In 1955 at the age of 17, Dave joined the Navy, which gave him structure and discipline, but most importantly taught him that given a level playing field he could compete with almost anyone. He received an honorable discharge in 1959. His mother Ethel passed away at the age of 60, just a few months after this.

After leaving the Navy he began his long and successful career in the grocery business, initially going to work for Wrigley Supermarkets and then A & P, Kroger, Supermarkets Interstate, and HEB. Finally finding the perfect fit with Tom Thumb in the late 70’s, holding positions of Store Director, Training Director, and ultimately Division Vice President where he had the pleasure of working with some truly talented people. It was as Division Vice President where Dave excelled in mentoring countless numbers of men and women in not only the grocery business but how to be someone of character, dependability, and unwavering ethics. His division consistently led the company in sales and profits. Finally, Dave retired in 1995 after over 40 years in the grocery business.

During his time with Kroger Dave would meet the future love of his life Barbara Jane Dollar. She thought he was cocky, and Dave thought she had an attitude. They were both right so in 1978 they were married and would begin a love affair that would last the next 44 years. Not only did Dave become a husband but he also became a father to 8-year-old Vicki Dollar. He had never been around children but poured himself into building a relationship with his two favorite girls and providing for them. One of the proudest moments in his life was when Vicki first introduced him as her “Dad”

Vicki would later marry Matt Edwards in 1991 and perhaps two of the happiest moments in Dave in Barbara’s life were in 1997 when Matt and Vicki announced they were pregnant with Cooper Lee Edwards, then again in 2001 with Madison Claire Edwards. These two brought joy into their lives they had never experienced. Their lives would never be the same now being Grammie and Grandad. Cooper and Madi became the center of their universe, never missing a birthday or holiday and traveling to numerous sporting or school events. There are no words to express how proud they are of their two grandchildren and the love they have for them.

Dave and Barbara traveled extensively, all over the United States, Europe, Canada, and Hawaii. Prior to retirement Dave and Barbara moved to Cedar Creek Lake, a house they had purchased in 1980, and used to escape and entertain all who would come. With two grandchildren in Amarillo, they wanted to move closer and found Robson Ranch near Denton.

This became exactly what they were looking for and they spent the next 17 years building strong and meaningful relationships that will forever be fondly remembered as some of the best years of their lives.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sisters Florene Alice, James Floyd, Gladys Mae, Archie Earl, Ralph Eugene, Kenneth Wayne, Dorie Jane, Johnny Andrew. He is survived by his loving family Barbara Cooper, Vicki Edwards, and husband Matt, grandchildren Cooper and Madison Edwards. Services are pending. Arrangements are being handled by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Dave is requested to make a contribution to The Church at Quail Creek of Amarillo Texas via Tcqc.org

Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.

21 Replies to “David (Dave) Edward Cooper”

  1. David was my uncle…& he was always my favorite Uncle. Haven’t seen him in years…but he will be truly missed more than anyone will know.

  2. If any of David and Barbara’s Family would like to stay in contact, or any hear who left good words, my cell is 903-530-9563.
    I regret I cannot attend. Others matters prevent me from attending. God Bless All

  3. Barbara,
    So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been a lot of years since we worked together at Kroger #26.

  4. So sorry to learn of Mr Cooper’s passing. I had so many great memories of the times I spent with Vicki at their homes in the 80’s (Carrollton and the lake). Such a kind, giving family. They took me on my first trip to Disney World one summer. I’m sad for Vicki and Barbara and the grands as I know the pain of loosing my dad recently. But, I am grateful for Mr Cooper’s faith in Christ and the hope we can have because of His death that we will be reunited one day in eternity. Sincerely, Beverly (& Bryan) Autrey

  5. So sad of hearing of Dave’s passing he was always very friendly and warm to the up stairs girls. ( Cullum ) We all enjoyed being around him. Ann Foster
    I worked for Jack Sprabary

  6. I knew Dave when we were both division managers @ Tom Thumb. I can recall many lunch conversations we had before or after our division meetings. He was very easy to talk with and we had some really good conversations. Dave was a well respected leader and liked by all. RIP Dave. Missed but not forgotten.

  7. Our sympathy to the family. We got to known them as resident members at Cedar Creek Lake and have good memories of them. Neil and Donna Detrick

  8. I haven’t seen David or Barbara for several years, so memory of them is very sacred.
    His siblings, who are all gone, are James Floyd Cooper, Ralph, Kenneth, Archie, Johnny & David. Also 3 sisters: Doris, Florine & Gladys.
    David is the last of this family line. He shall be missed.

  9. Dave was my buddy for years toward the end of our time at Robson Ranch. We had breakfast together and discussed many things. His moral and ethical standards put him at odds with many things and people in our world now. He said that he thought that those who died to keep us free deserved more than what we are making of our country.
    We shared a Navy history and many do not know that his brother chopped loose the mooring lines that would have sunk another ship tied up to the Arizona in 1941 at Pearl Harbor.
    Funny stuff heroism: Dave did right and was honorable. He was a hero to me.
    I asked him to play singles Tablevtennis with me on my birthday once, he beat me over and over again, no slack even for my birthday??
    Be at peace dear buddy!! Love, peTer Belding

  10. One of the true gentlemen of the world. Always giving everything he had and motivating others to do the same.
    His commitment to Robson Ranch table tennis club was unique and inspirational.

  11. Dave accepted anyone and everyone that wanted to be accepted! At my age it’s funny to say that he was a mentor to me but he actually was! I only knew Dave for a short period of time but that time was special! I started really enjoying the table tennis days because I knew that he would probably be there! GOD has received VERY SPECIAL man! Rest In Peace!

  12. Dave was such a kind, gentle person. He was so patient with me learning table tennis when I first got there, helping me a lot. His presences was very much missed when he moved from Robson Ranch. He’s probably smiling at all of us from heaven.

  13. Dave and Barbara were my back door neighbors for over 17 years. Dave was always a positive, supportive, and very caring neighbor and friend. He was patient when Barbara and I would chat sometimes for hours as he waited for his lunch. I miss having them here and now send Barbara and her family my sincere sympathy, love, and prayers.

  14. Dave Cooper was such a great friend at table tennis. He was always smiling and had positive comments for all. He tried to teach me tricks and strokes to improve my game. Even if he wasn’t successful, we always had fun in the learning. Coop’s good memories are with everyone he knew at Robson.

  15. I lived in Robson Ranch where I met Barbara. I didn’t know Dave personally. What I heard from other neighbors at monthly luncheons, and from his obituary, he was truly a remarkable person.
    My sincere condolences to Barbara and her family.

  16. No one at Robson Ranch had more positive influence on the groups with which he associated than did COOP. Barbara is special and their kindness to us during our time here at Robson Ranch will always be remembered with great appreciation.

  17. Dave was a great friend to all who knew him. Golf at the beginning and then table tennis for years! There were four of us who had breakfast together for years and Dave was always happy and upbeat.

    He will be missed.

  18. Dave and Barbara were wonderful neighbors. We missed them after they moved to Amarillo to be closer to family. Our love to Barbara and the family.

    Dennis & Marsha O’Loughlin
    Denton, TX

  19. We send our condolences and our prayers for comfort at this difficult time. May your sweet memories of dad be a blessing.
    Monte and Gwen Bain

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *