Gilman "Gil" Cooper, 27

Gilman Fitzgerald Harter “Gil” Cooper, 27, of Omaha, Neb., formerly of Red Oak, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Arnolds Park.
Gil was born June 21, 1997, in Corning, the son of Anne Harter and Shawn Cooper. He was raised in Villisca and Red Oak, graduating from Red Oak Community High School in 2015. He attended Creighton University for one year before serving in the U.S. Army, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Airborne in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was a Signal Intelligence Officer serving in Germany and Afghanistan and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Gilman moved to Omaha, after his military career and most recently worked for Healthy Turf Lawn Care and Landscaping.
Gil loved being outdoors, biking, hiking, running, fishing, camping, gardening, and playing golf and softball. He was a voracious reader who enjoyed history and how-to books. Gil also loved to play cards and darts and enjoyed traveling. His greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. In his last act of kindness shown to others, he gave a gift to over 300 people by donation through the Iowa Organ Donor Network.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Anne Harter; stepbrother, Trevor Vermillion; and grandmother, Carolyn Gage.
Survivors include his father, Shawn Cooper and Kari Bloom of Villisca; brothers, George Cooper and Augustus Cooper of Omaha, Neb.; nephew, Foster Jordan Strait of Wichita, Kan.; stepfather, Mark Vermillion of Shenandoah; stepbrother, Tyler Vermillion and wife Maggie of Germany; stepsister, Ashley Vermillion of Omaha, Neb.; grandparents, Gary Harter and wife Eva Breckenridge of Corning; Dwaine Cooper and wife Jody of Villisca; Betty Cooper and Jeff Godbout of Red Oak; and Marsha Shepherd of Villisca; aunt, Debbie Cooper of Villisca; uncles, Randy Cooper and wife Denise of Red Oak, and Dennis Cooper and wife Jill of Villisca; and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life services will be held at 2 p.m.kj                         Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel at 1995 G Ave., in Red Oak. Visitation with the family will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. The family asks that you arrive in casual attire. Memorials are suggested to the Cpl. Daegen Page Foundation or the Guitars For Vets Program.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.