Robert Lynn Cooper, Jr., age 65, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Friday, November 30, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock .  He was born October 20, 1953 in Arkadelphia, the son of the late Robert Lynn and Reba Kirksey Cooper, Sr.  Robert was a 1971 graduate of Arkadelphia High School and was a member of the Badger football team.  He held a BA degree from Henderson State University and a BA degree from Ouachita Baptist University and was a member of the Tiger football team.

Robert was a former jailor and worked for the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden .  He retired as an officer with the Arkadelphia Police Dept.  Robert was an instructor at Dawson Coop, teaching criminal justice, public safety, forensics and law.  He was a member of Second Baptist Church .  Robert enjoyed Razorback sports, listening to his police scanner, and computers in his free time.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his mother in law, Ruth Suggs.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cheryl Suggs Cooper of Arkadelphia, three daughters, Amanda Burroughs (Ross) of Arkadelphia, Becky Gaines (Carson) of Fayetteville, and Carrie Flora of Arkadelphia, two step children, Andrew Moore of New Hampshire and Suzanne Gray (Lance) of Cleburne, TX, one sister, Rose Ann McCauley of Arkadelphia, fifteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, December 7, 2018 at Welch Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers are members, past and present of the Arkadelphia Police Department.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435 , Arkadelphia , AR 71923 or Arkansas State Police Teddy Bear Project, c/o Arkansas State Police Association, 5702 Dreher Ln, #2 , Little Rock , AR 72209 .

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.