[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 135 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF EDWIN H. COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2020

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edwin H. Cooper of 
Robertson County, Texas. Edwin passed away on 29 April 2020.
  Edwin was born 3 September 1930 to Margaret and Leslie Cooper. He 
graduated from San Marcos High School in 1949 and enrolled in Texas A&M 
University, where he was a proud member of the fighting Texas Aggie 
band.
  While at Texas A&M, Cooper was also a member of the Alpha Zeta 
Fraternity (scholastic) and was a distinguished student.
  During the summer of 1951, Edwin married his high school sweetheart, 
Peggy Jean Martin.
  In 1953, Edwin received a bachelor of science in wildlife management 
and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. 
He attended Armor Basic Camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being 
assigned to the Second Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany.
  After his honorable discharge, Edwin returned to Texas and his family 
to work as an Assistant Agriculture County Agent in Travis County.
  Edwin's professional career combined his two loves: wildlife and 
Texas A&M University. Beginning as a specialist in wildlife 
conservation, he worked his way up to Director of Office School 
Relations and Coordinator of Special Projects--Education Information 
Services, all at Texas A&M University.
  Edwin's professional experience also included specialist in wildlife 
conservation at the Texas Agriculture Extension Service, Assistant to 
President Earl Rudder, Director of Civilian Student Activities, 
Assistant to President Jack K. Williams, Director of Admissions; Dean 
of Admissions and Records, Director--Office of School Relations, and 
Coordinator of Special Projects--Education Information Services, all at 
Texas A&M University.
  Mr. Cooper is the author of four books, including one entitled: 
``Forty Years at Aggieland,'' published in 2013, which detailed his 
career at Texas A&M.
  Upon his retirement, Edwin and his wife, Peggy, moved to Camp Creek 
Lake in Robertson County, where he continued to enjoy fishing, hunting, 
and spending time outdoors with his family and friends.
  Edwin's civic involvement included Vice President of the Bryan-
College Station Jaycees, President of the Brazos County A&M Club, 
Councilman of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, and Vice 
President of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, and Board 
of Directors of the Aggie Band Association.
  Mr. Cooper has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the A&M 
Consolidated Independent School District, chairman of the Board of the 
St. Joseph Hospital, Class Agent of the Texas A&M Class of 1953, 
President of the Executive Committee of College Board-Southwest Region, 
and Trustee to College Board. He also served 2 years as chairman of the 
National Membership Committee of College Board. Edwin was 
enthusiastically involved in Methodist church activities in Bryan-
College Station and in Franklin, Texas.
  Madam Speaker, Edwin served his country proudly for many years, and 
his legacy will be forever woven into our American history. Edwin was 
not only a public servant; he was a proud Texas Aggie, a devout 
Methodist, and a committed family man. I will always remember Mr. 
Cooper because his signature is affixed to my Texas A&M diploma.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Cooper family. I have requested that a United States flag be flown 
over our Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of 
Edwin H. Cooper.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our 
country during these difficult times, for our veterans, for our 
military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who 
keep us safe at home.

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