[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO RICHARD E. ``DICK'' COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2007

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I regret that I must inform 
the House of the passing of a great American in my home community.
  Richard E. ``Dick'' Cooper was a friend to me and many others in the 
State of Kentucky, but especially in my hometown of Somerset. Even more 
than a friend, he was a father figure, a confidant, friend and advisor. 
And he was humble, giving and modest.
  Dick left us August 7, 2007 at 92. He was the Chairman of the Board 
at Citizens National Bank, and knew practically everyone. In fact, he 
also likely knew their parents and even grandparents. His devotion to 
duty was tireless. He came to work every day right up until the day he 
died. He cared deeply for people.
  After completing high school in 1932, he graduated with honors at the 
University of Kentucky. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army and served in 
the Pacific. Back home, in the business community, he very successfully 
led the Somerset Stone Company before becoming chairman at the bank. As 
a civic leader in our community, he served on numerous organizations 
including on the advisory board at Somerset Community College. For many 
years he served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Kentucky.
  Dick was more than a local leader. He was well-known throughout the 
Commonwealth, as a great civic and business leader. He was awarded 
``man of the year'' in 1965 by a Louisville radio station. But he was 
our man of the year for many more years to come and will continue to 
be.
  Mr. Cooper married Cornelia Dozier in 1961, and she is a leader in 
her own right in community and cultural affairs. He also leaves behind 
two children and five grand children. Dick was a brother to the late 
U.S. Senator John Sherman Cooper, who served with great distinction in 
Congress from just after World War II until the early 70's.
  He came from a good family and leaves a good one behind. Family, 
friends, and associates from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky will 
remember him. He touched many lives and hearts with his genuine concern 
for them, and his example of leadership with purpose and dedication. I 
am just one of them.
  The world is a better place because of the life of Dick Cooper.

                          ____________________