WANGA J. COOPER "COOPER"

age 84, of Gary, passed away Sunday May 4, 2014. Wanga is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Velma (nee DeFoe); children: Gary (Jane Foster) Cooper, Becky (Steve) Becke-Coble, Lois (Randy) Hamilton, Marsha (Albert) Eaton & DeAnna (Rick) Rondinelli; "number two son" Robert (Yolanda) Santos; grandchildren: Kelly, Gary II, Kyle, Mary, Keith, Michael, Afton, Tiffany, Jeremie, Brittni, Anthony, Rhett, Michelle & Cheryl; great grandchildren: Kassie, Jimmy, Gary III, Gabriele, Cody, Emilia, Brody, Bryce, Haydn, Braden, Tim, Zachery, Jessica, Kayla, Tony & Maxwell; siblings: Martha, Margaret & Nelda; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters.

Cooper retired from Youngstown Steel with 35 years of service and was currently employed for the past 10 years at In Touch Pharmaceuticals. He was a loving and nurturing family man and a jokester at heart. Cooper had fun and outgoing nature, was kind to all and the type of man who never met a stranger.

Funeral services will be held on Friday May 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Ave (corner of Main and Kennedy) Schererville with Pastor Art Pettyjohn officiating. At rest Chapel Lawn Cemetery Schererville. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday May 8, 2014 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations in his honor may be made to VNA Hospice Valparaiso or a charity of your choice.