Jerome Cooper of Caledonia, Missouri, died October 2, 2026. He was born March 19, 1939 in Hackensack, New Jersey, a son of the late George and Hazel Cooper.

Growing up in Tarrytown, NY, Jerome learned to sail boats on the Hudson River. In his twenties Jerome lived on his own sailboat and sailed in the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico.

He had a love for art and majored in it in college. Then he taught art in the Valley R 6 and Bellview Schools. His own artwork won awards and sold commercially. Later he became a housepainter known for quality work at a reasonable price.

Jerome enjoyed traveling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and abroad. He was interested in people and loved to hold meaningful conversations with friends and even perfect strangers.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Bruce Cooper and Diane Darrah.

Jerome is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne, his five children, Stephen Cooper, Nathan Cooper, Aaron Cooper, Ryan Cooper, and Meggan Nelson, and his brother Roger Cooper.

A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter, 709 S Henry St, Farmington, MO 63640. A graveside service will follow at the Caledonia Methodist Cemetery beginning at 12:30 p.m. Arrangements for Mr. Cooper were entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home of Potosi.