Johnnie Lee Cooper

SFC, Johnnie Lee Cooper
United States Army, retired
July 3, 1949 ~ September 13, 2025

Johnnie Lee Cooper, 76 of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona with loved ones by his side. 

Johnnie was born on July 3rd, 1949 in Bend, Oregon to John and Betty (Smith) Cooper.  He was raised in Joplin, Missouri, and graduated from Joplin High in 1967. Johnnie proudly served his country in the United States Army beginning with the Vietnam War, and retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his military career, he completed military signal school and worked in military satellite communications. Johnnie received numerous awards during his long and distinguished career, including multiple awards of the ARCOM and an Army Achievement Medal.

Johnnie worked in Satellite Communications for the military for many years, sending him to many different countries. He retired from his active military service in 1989, and continued to work as a military contractor for years following. He also spent many hours helping his wife, Jennie, run her restaurants, and for a brief time, operated the Midas in Sierra Vista.

Johnnie was married to Jennie Cooper for 55 years. Together they had two beautiful children, a daughter, Connie Li Clapper married to Edward Clapper, and a son, Michael Lee Cooper. Johnnie's family was the center of his world, and he leaves behind his grandchildren Arizania and Anson Clapper, Bradley Dunagan and his wife Courtney Ihde-Dunagan, and Cameron and Orion Cooper. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Jasper Ihde-Dunagan.
Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Cooper, as well as his sister Sandy. He leaves behind his brothers, Leslie and David.

Committal services will be held at the Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, Arizona, with military honors being conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard, on Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 1 pm. Those who wish to attend are asked to join the family at the cemetery by 12:30 pm in the staging area.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that you plant a tree in Johnnie's honor or make a donation in his name to your favorite charity.

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