Robert E. "Gene" Cooper, 86, passed away in MUSC-Lancaster. He was the husband of Shirley Hewitt Cooper. He was born in Chester to the late John B. and Margaret Cooke Cooper. In addition to his wife he is survived by one son, Robert W. Cooper of Chester; one daughter, Karen Cooper of Seneca; two grandchildren, John A. Cooper of Winnsboro and Colin R. Cooper of Chester; one great-grandchild, Rowan M. Cooper. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary C. Rawls; and one brother, John E. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper was a member of Chester Freedom Ministries. He retired from Funderburk's Pharmacy in Chester and he was a former President and Board of Directors member of the Chester Civitan Club. He worked faithfully on the Civitan Candy Boxes and enjoyed golfing and watching golf on TV after his health declined.

Mr. Cooper's service will be conducted by Reverends Steve Bishop and Donald Etters at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 15th at Chester Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends at the grave after the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made in Mr. Cooper's name to Chester Freedom Ministries, 729 Village Drive, Chester, SC 29706.

Pollard Funeral Home is serving the family.