Charles Edward Cooper, Sr.

Charles Edward Cooper, Sr., a devoted servant of God, beloved educator, and cherished presence in the lives of all who knew him, transitioned from this life to his eternal reward on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 70.

Born on October 25, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, Charles was the son of Emanuel Sr. and Katharine L. Cooper. A proud product of his city, he was a gifted athlete and musician, playing clarinet in the Lincoln High School band and excelling on the football field. He carried that passion for sport and scholarship to William Jewell College, graduating in 1978.

Above all else, Charles was a man of unwavering faith. He was "God-fearing" in the truest sense, moving through the world with an honest, introspective, and caring spirit. As a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, his greatest joy was witnessing to others and sharing the love of Christ. His voice rose in praise as a member of the Men’s Chorus and Sanctuary Choir, reflecting a life lived to serve his Creator. He was a brilliant yet humble man who never met a stranger.

That foundation of faith was the bedrock of his marriage and family. On June 26, 1982, Charles was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Rosellen Nenar Carter. Together for 43 years, they built a life rooted in laughter and a shared commitment to their children. Charles was a fierce protector and a source of constant love; he taught his family that life, much like his favorite game of chess, requires patience, strategy, and a strong foundation in Jesus Christ.

Whether he was tending his garden, taking pride in his lawn care, or sharing a joke, his hands and heart were rarely still.

Charles’s passion for service extended into his calling as a "teacher of teachers." Throughout his career, he poured his wisdom into the students of Karnes, W.W. Yates, Woodland, William Volker, Phillis Wheatley, Crispus Attucks, and Satchel Paige. In 1999, he joined Allen Village as a teacher and was one of the original staff members when the school first opened its doors; it was from Allen Village that he eventually retired, leaving behind a profound legacy.

His brilliance in the classroom was legendary; in 1986, he was featured in an article for his innovative classroom economic system that prepared students for the real world. A lifelong lover of the game, he used chess as a bridge to reach young minds, teaching them the values of discipline and foresight. Whether in the classroom or on the sidelines as "Coach," he was a mentor who saw the potential in every child and spent his life pulling it to the surface. He truly loved his students, and countless lives were bettered by his tireless wisdom and encouragement.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Katharine L. Cooper; his sister, Katharine Jolly; his brother, Keith Cooper; and his beloved grandson, Cyrus O. Cooper.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Rosellen N. Cooper; his children, Mary Frances Gregory (Bryan), Charles Edward Cooper, Jr. (Camilla), and Carly Rebecca Cooper; his siblings, Emanuel Cooper Jr. and Donna Tyler (Anthony); and his grandsons, John, Michael, and Andrew Gregory and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.