Obituary of Melvin Delano Cooper

Melvin (Mel) joined our Lord on April 24, 2016. Mel proudly served his country for 25 years and three months. Whilst in the United States Army he received National Defense Services Medal, Vietnam Services Medal with 3 Bronze Service Star; Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ 1 Oak Cluster and Good Conduct Medal with 6th Awards. After retiring from the Army, Mel served with other Vets helping them find jobs while employed for the State of Colorado in the Veterans Division.Mel was a loving son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Mel never met a stranger. He was simply the best! He was Jim's, Julia's and Jeff's Daddy and the grandchildren's Papa.Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mary Ida Cooper, his siblings, Alvin, Samuel, Emmaline, Douglas and his oldest son, James Lamar Searcy.Melvin leaves behind his daughter, Julia Searcy-Ortega, son, Jeffrey Ray Cooper; his grandchildren, Amber Jo Ortega, Amanda Lee Ortega Ritz, Joseph Taylor Searcy-Ortega, Cody James Cooper, Jarod Marshall Searcy-Ortega, great grandson Carson Lee Ritz, loving friends Alfred Michael Ortega and Robin Renee Mercier.Mel Leaves behind his siblings, Shirley Coffman, Virginia Jo Carlock, Joyce Houseman, and his youngest Brother Homer Cooper.Melvin was born in Alabama, saw the world and chose Colorado Springs, Colorado to rest.Graveside Services will be held at 9:30 AM, Monday, May 2, 2016 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Monday, May 2, 2016 9:30AM Fort Logan National Cemetery 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard Denver, CO 80235 Phone: 303-761-0117