Zirkle Cooper

Vernon Cooper, age 77, went to be with the Lord and all those that have gone before him in his home on Friday, January 24th surrounded by family. The Memorial Service will be held at Madison Street United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2014.Visitation will be held at Sykes Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 and from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 30th at the Church.

Vernon was born in Rockwood, TN to the late Zirkle Cooper and the late Ellen Sanborn Cooper on May 13, 1936. He served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962 and then began his distinguished and long serving teaching career. Mr. Cooper began in the Knox County School system at Powell High School and then came to Clarksville in 1967 and taught biology at Clarksville High School. After receiving his masters he went to Northwest High School in 1972 to serve as both a guidance counselor and Assistant Principal. In 1983, Mr. Cooper became Principal at Barksdale Elementary School until 1992. He ended his career at Clarksville High School before retiring due to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Vernon is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah; his granddaughter, Sarah.

He is survived by his sons, Brad (Tracy), Clarksville and their children Riley, Ford, Eliza and Brady; Chad (Wendy), Orlando and their son Jonas; his daughter, Katy (Tim); brother, Rick (Nancy), Knoxville and their children Butler and Ben; sister, Gayle (Mel) Bosma, Philadelphia and their children Lori and Amy.

A very special thank you is extended to the following people: the staff at Oasis In-Home Care, the staff and nurses at Suncrest Home Health, Meals on Wheels and all of their volunteers and contributors, the staff and drivers at Clarksville Transit, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the staff and nurses at Avalon Hospice and all of the members of Madison Street United Methodist Church.