Hollis Dee Cooper

      Hollis Dee Cooper, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, formerly of Middleton, MI, passed away Monday, January 31, 2022, at his home.

      Funeral Services will be held at Redeemer United Methodist Church at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 5, 2022, with Pastor Debbie Thomas officiating.  Burial will take place at New Haven Township Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI.  Visitation will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI and also on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.

     Hollis was born in Bengal Township, Clinton County, MI on October 24, 1928, the son of Hollis and Louise (Rhynard) Cooper.  Hollis married Bonna (Bonnie) L. Troub on December 24, 1947 in Newaygo, MI.  They were married on his parents’ 25th wedding anniversary.

     Hollis lived most of his life in Middleton and later moved to St. Johns in 2004.  He joined the Middleton United Methodist Church in 1951 and then transferred their membership to the First United Methodist Church, St. Johns in 2007.

      Hollis was in the plumbing industry since 1957.  He owned and operated R.E. Benson Plumbing & Heating for many years and sold the business in 1990.   He enjoyed golfing, wood carving, square dancing, water skiing, and spending the winter months in Zephyrhills, FL.  Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

      He is survived by his wife Bonnie Cooper of St. Johns, MI, children: Thomas Cooper of Alma, MI; Connie and Gene Schneeberger of DeWitt, MI; Nancy and Bill DeJohn of Naples, FL; Jeffrey and Virginia Cooper of Raleigh, NC; three grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, 1 great-grandson, and his brother-in-law Richard Abbott of Ithaca, MI.  He was preceded in death by parents, siblings: Jean Richards, June Smith, Dennis Cooper, and Janet Abbott.

     Memorials may be made to Laurus Hospice Lansing, MI, or Parkinson’s Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.