John C. Cooper, age 73, of Breese, began his peaceful journey into heaven on May 22, 2026. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his entire family.
Born on October 30, 1952, in Greenville, South Carolina. John’s father worked for Western Union so the family frequently relocated to different states. Through his own travels and work commitments, John moved to Carlyle where he met his future wife, Michele (nee Lappe), whom he married on March 1, 2008. Together they were blessed with a blended family.
John is survived by his loving wife, Michele of Breese; his children and step-children, Daniel Cooper and future daughter-in-law, Dori Marlin of Tampa, FL, Rebecca (James) Culbertson of Roebuck, SC, Courtney (Jacob) Beckmann of Carlyle, and Kira (Jesse) Maxey of Odin; 6 cherished grandchildren, Cason Cooper, Alissa (Connor) McKee, Jo (Tristan) Arrowood, Cooper Culbertson, Haley Hedden, Colsen Maxey; 2 precious great-grandchildren, Rachel McKee and Jasper Arrowood; siblings, Luanne Cooper-Whang (Robin) of Alabama, Rose (Tim) Parker of Tennessee, Betsy Herlebaus of North Carolina; siblings-in-law, Diane Curran of Indiana, Jerry “Snips” (Nancy) Lappe of Breese, Janice (Ed) Hemann of Breese, Deb Lappe of Portage des Sioux, MO, Tom (Sheila) Lappe of Huntley IL; beloved pets, Winnie “WinnDog” and Hazelnut Kitty.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Gene Cooper; older brother Charles Cooper; younger sister Laura Cason; parents-in-law Eugene “Pete” and Edith Lappe; brother-in-law Larry Lappe; and beloved pets Harley, Dallas and Lilly.
John was a dedicated employee and leader at The Wise Company for 48 years before retiring in 2019. He was instrumental in the success of the company and everyone whom he shared his knowledge with and mentored throughout the years. John was a friend and coach not only in business but also in life lessons. He was seen as the “Go To Guy” for all facets of the business.
John found great happiness in spending time with family having dinner and playing cards. He enjoyed golfing, classic cars, collecting guns, and restoring Western Union clocks for his family. John was a proud Harley Davidson rider for most of his life. His biggest joys came from traveling whether it was a weekend Jeep ride, taking a trip to the Nashville Palace to party and listen to old-time honky-tonk music or taking a big vacation. John and Michele shared a love and passion for cruising where they celebrated many marriage milestones.
John was a selfless and wise man who was always willing to share his wisdom and guide his children and all others on life’s journey. John will be remembered for his dedication to family, strong work ethic, mentorship, his gentle smile, infectious laugh, and the quiet joy he found in everyday life.
It has been a tradition for the entire family to sing “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” at every family wedding. Now John can sing it loud and proud with David Allen Coe on heaven’s big stage. Sing it loud and proud JC!
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Clinton County Relay for Life or Life Church in Carlyle and will be received by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
