Robert D. “Bob” Cooper

Robert D. “Bob” Cooper, 78, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at St. Clara’s Manor, Lincoln on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Monday, April 6, 2026, at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Open Arms Church. Burial will be at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Bob was born September 24, 1947, in Decatur, IL., the son of Paul Dudley Porter Cooper and Severina Maria Rodriguez. He married Marsha (Barnes) on August 26, 1971. They later divorced but remained friends. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era and later in the Illinois Army National Guard. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 263 and enjoyed Civil War Reenactments. Bob moved to Lincoln in 1984 after previously residing in Joliet, IL. and Gardner, IL. He retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections where he worked up through the ranks to Captain, working at Stateville, Joliet, and Lincoln. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois Police Association. He was also a talented barber. Bob enjoyed traveling and collecting guns and coins. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. Bob was a Christian man and attended Open Arms Church with his family.

Survivors include his daughter Angela (Shawn) Gaddy, his granddaughter Kenna (Stephen) Vinyard, and great granddaughters Savanna and Oaklee Vinyard. Also surviving, are his only nephew & niece, Chris (Tammy) Cooper and Amy Cooper, great nephew Devyn Ward, Also surviving, are step grandchildren Brenton Gaddy and Jessica Gaddy and step great grandchildren Briaden, Dalton, Aurora, Collin, and Maverick. Several close friends & coworkers survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray Cooper and great nephew Jacob.

Memorial donations may be made to Open Arms Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of St. Clara’s Manor and Transitions Hospice for their care and compassion.