Gary L. Cooper, Jr., "Buddy," age 45, of Belleville, formerly of O'Fallon, Ill., died Tuesday, August 9, 2022 unexpectedly at his residence.

He is survived by his parents Gary Cooper, Sr., and Kathryn (Marty) Poepping; daughters Lily and Flora Cooper, all of O'Fallon; sister Lesly Goodin of Mulberry Grove, Ill.; niece Samantha (Zachary) Portell of Virginia; nephew Alex (Haele Ann Ruble) Goodin of Greenville, Ill., his partner Ariel Pineiro, and extended family and many friends.

Gary attended Mulberry Grove School in Mulberry Grove, Ill., receiving recognition as class valedictorian. He also attended O'Fallon Township High School his senior year, graduating in 1995. He attended SWIC, earning a degree in Radiation Technology. Gary has never let any grass grow beneath his feet; he was always working on advancing himself. Upon moving to O'Fallon, he worked at Texaco Gas Station on Hwy 50, Schildknecht Funeral Home doing yard work and maintenance, Dallas Drywall, and he helped any family members, friends, or acquaintances that he was able to. He started work at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, and later when the new hospital was built in O'Fallon, he continued his occupation as a Radiology Imaging Technician, working in the heart cath lab for 16 years. He then began work at BJC Hospital in St. Louis, and has been employed there for several years. The hospital staff truly enjoyed working with Gary, and the patients appreciated the special care they received from him. Gary was certainly an extraordinary young man and set a wonderful example for many. His time on this earth was much too short and he will be missed by many. He adored his daughters as they did him; he was their hero, taking them camping, fishing, and hiking.

Memorial donations may be made on behalf of his girls. Lily is extremely involved in the O'Fallon Township High School Band. Funds will be needed to help cover the costs of the band's trips including the Macy's parade in New York City. Checks may be payable to Kathryn Poepping memo: Lily's Band Fund . It's a long time before Flora will be attending college and it's not getting any cheaper. Checks for Flora's education may be payable to Kathryn Poepping memo: Flora's Fund.

A Memorial visitation will be 1 – 5 pm, Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, Ill. Gary requested to be cremated and had asked Lily to spread his cremated remains in the future. Gary was an avid fan of the St. Louis Blues, watching many games with family and friends with true excitement every season, always hoping for the playoffs and the ultimate winning of the Stanley Cup!

As a show of support, please wear your Blues attire to the visitation.

Thank you to everyone for your kindness and to Jim & Kim Sabella at Wolfersberger Funeral Home for their caring ways and professionalism.