Robert Houston Cooper, Sr.

Robert Houston Cooper Sr, age 88, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023. 

Bob was born on October 14, 1935, as the only child to Ethel and William Cooper in Bangor, Maine. Shortly after he was born, they moved to Washington, DC. He graduated from Anacostia High School in 1953. Bob received an associate degree from Strayer College, and he passed the Certified Public Accountant exam at age 21. 

Bob met the love of his life through a college friend, and he proposed after a few months. Carol and Bob were married on July 2, 1960.

Bob started his career as an accountant for several companies. A few were in the printing industry. He rose through the ranks and spent the majority of his career as Vice President at Port City Press. 

Carol and Bob, both being only children, chose to have a large family. He was the proud father of 4 sons and 4 daughters. 

They chose to raise their family in an upcoming area, Bowie, Maryland. They purchased their first home in the Buckingham section in February 1962. By 1968, they quickly outgrew this home and moved to Victoria Heights.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Bob was a lifelong parishioner at Sacred Heart Church. Bob believed in giving back to the community and spent a lot of time volunteering for the Belair Lions Club and the Bowie Boys and Girls Club. He served as president for both organizations. He coached basketball and football to his sons and daughters. He also came out of his coaching retirement and coached six grandsons for the Davidsonville Gators. 

He was a fan of the Washington Redskins, New York Yankees, and Duke basketball. He was an avid reader and loved spending time at their Fenwick Island beach house with family. 

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Carol. He is survived by his children, Robert Jr., Rory (Kelly), Christopher (Sue), Michael (Lynne), Julie (Steve), Mary (Bill), Joanne (George), Katherine (Barry), 25 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and other loved ones including Missy and Darlene.

In lieu of flowers please send donations on behalf of Robert H. Cooper Sr. to: Poor Clare Nuns, Partners in Grace, 37 McCauley Road, Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690