Charles Edgar Cooper

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Charles Edgar Cooper. Born in
Houston, Mississippi, on August 18, 1952, Charles passed away on May 2, 2026, at
Chautauqua Springs Health Center in Defuniak Springs, Florida, at the age of 73. He
leaves behind a legacy of hard work, sharp humor, and a deep devotion to his family
and friends.

At 17 years old, Charles volunteered for the military and deployed to Vietnam as an
infantryman. His bravery and dedication earned him several honors, most notably the
Bronze Star Medal. His time in the service stayed with him forever; he felt a profound
and immediate bond with every military member he encountered, whether they were the
brothers he fought alongside in the jungle or the men and women he met decades later
who are still serving today.

Following his military service, Charles earned his Master’s in Business Administration.
Driven by a sharp mind and a relentless work ethic, he built a highly successful career,
ultimately reaching the highest levels of leadership within major construction
companies. He was a lifelong learner who never lost his passion for discovering new
things, and he took great pride in imparting those lessons to those around him.

Outside of his professional life, Charles was a man who truly knew how to enjoy the
world. He had a deep appreciation for golf, fixing up old cars, art, and music, but he was
happiest when he was sitting in his Tiki Hut, watching sports with a cold Bud Light in
hand.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Rebecca Cooper, and his
siblings Marty Cooper and De Ann Price.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Hudson; his children, Kaitlin Cooper (Nick
Davis), Mark Cooper (Kallie Cooper), Summer Kewin (Drew Kewin), and Lillie Cooper;
his five beloved grandchildren: Ava Martin, William Martin, Gunner Davis, Caroline
Davis, and Motley Cooper; and his siblings, Robin Cooper (Diane Cooper), Donnie
Cooper (Patsy Cooper), and JT Cooper (April Warren).

We invite all who knew and loved Charles to join us in honoring his memory at
a Celebration of Life on June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Karen and Charles’s Tiki Hut.
Please reach out to Summer or Karen for the address.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Charles’s legacy by living the way
he did: stay curious, build something you’re proud of, and always share what you’ve
learned with the people around you. And the next time you find yourself near the water
with a cold drink and good company, raise a glass to an extraordinary life well-lived.