Dr. Charles Winston Cooper, 87, of Jefferson City, Missouri, died Wednesday, October 19, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. Born June 13, 1929, Charles Winston Cooper grew up in the southeast Missouri community of Hayti, Missouri. Charles completed his high school education as the Valedictorian in 1946. He pursued his bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University graduating with highest honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. From 1951-1955 he served in the United States Air Force air evacuating war causalities to hospitals. On leave from the air force he married his college sweetheart Bobbye J. Hollins. In 1964 he graduated from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Cooper pursued specialty training in Family Medicine at the Illinois Masonic Hospital serving as the first African American at that institution. During his residency George Halas-Chicago Bears, asked Dr. Cooper to serve as the team doctor. Dr. Cooper started his medical practice in 1967 and was recruited by the University of Missouri School of Medicine to join the faculty as a preceptor for Family Medicine interns. Dr. Cooper rejoined Quinn Chapel in 1967 and was a member of Quinn Chapel for seven decades, as a student, board member and member emeritus. As a member of the Jefferson City community, Charles participated in many civic organizations: Boy Scouts of America, Y Indian Guides, lifetime member Lincoln University Alumni Association, Meharry Medical College Alumni Association, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, NAACP, Pheasant Hunters of America -founding member and officer, National Medical Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Farmers Bureau-president, and was a health care provider for the Lincoln University student clinic. Charles was a trailblazer in the civil rights movement and politically active running a successful campaign for the Cole County Coroner. He leaves behind siblings: Alex Cooper, Meredith Cooper, Joel Cooper, William Cooper, Juel Rush, Dr. Thomas Cooper; his children, Dr. Terri Cooper, Dr. Janis Dunn (Dr. Fredrick), Dr. Karyl Patten (Dr.Steven), Mr. Daryl Cooper (Linda), Mr. Alan Cooper (Deborah); nine grandchildren, host of nieces and nephews and a community of family and friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Bobbye Cooper; his parents, Roy and Louise Cooper; brothers, John Cooper, Melvin Cooper, Roy Cooper. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Quinn Chapel AME Church, Jefferson City.
