Robert Cooper

Robert Edward "Robb" Cooper, 73, of Beardstown, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 26, 2026, with his children by his side, following a long battle with the effects of a stroke.

Robb was born June 4, 1953, in Beardstown, the son of Frances (Lovekamp) Cooper and Rolland Cooper.

He is survived by his two children, Eric Cooper and Abby Cooper, both of Beardstown; two sisters, Diana Lowe and Linda (husband Bill) Kirchner; one brother, Brian Cooper (wife Billie Jo); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael Cooper.

Robb graduated from Beardstown High School in 1971. On December 30, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Kay Cummings. In 1973, he followed in his father's footsteps and began working for BNSF Railroad. He later became an electrician and a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #193. He also established and operated his own electrical business, Cooper Electric, in Beardstown.

His work took him to many places throughout the United States and around the world. Robb spent many years working as a contractor for the U.S. military in the Marshall Islands, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He also had the pleasure of working alongside his son, Eric, for several years in Japan.

Robb was a lifelong member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, an active member of Cass Masonic Lodge #23 A.F. & A.M., Ansar Shriners of Springfield, and Beardstown Elks Lodge #1007. He especially enjoyed volunteering his time as past chairman of the annual Elks Hoop Shoot and coaching Beardstown Little League.

Robb had a love for music and enjoyed playing guitar in various bands in his younger years. Music was another way he shared good times, laughter, and lasting friendships with those around him.

Robb loved sports, particularly Chicago sports. The Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and even the Blackhawks brought him and his children many years of family entertainment and agony. He was a Chicago Bears season ticket holder for 40 years and attended countless games. Over time, the group of family and friends who shared in the games and trips became just as important as the games themselves. He shared that loyalty, along with all the hope and heartbreak that came with it, with his family and friends.

Wherever Robb was, laughter was sure to follow. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. His stories, his laughter, and the memories he made with those he loved will be deeply missed.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Monday, November 16, 2026 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. Private family burial will be held at a later date. The family will meet with friends from 2-4 PM Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Masonic services will be held following the visitation Sunday at the memorial home.

Memorials have been suggested to Beardstown Little League. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.