Richard “Rich” Gene Coop passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday March 23 , 2023 surrounded by his children.

Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served for 3 years before being honorably discharged in 1961. After trying his hand as an insurance adjuster, he decided to enlist in the
U.S. Army. Richard served 2 tours in Vietnam, 1 tour in Thailand, and 5 tours in Europe. He was also a U.S. Army recruiter for 2 1/2 years in Twin Falls, Idaho. Richard retired from the Army after a total of 22 years of combined service to his country. During his military service he received many commendations including the Bronze Star, 3 M eritorious C ommendations, and others too numerous to list.

After working as a contractor for 2 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Richard went back to work as a Logistics and Procurement clerk with the U.S. Air Force at Mountain Home AFB. Richard finally retired fully in 1992 and made his family home in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. He spent his time RV-ing, ATV riding and traveling the country whose freedom he so passionately
defended.

Richard married and divorced twice and had three children ; Kelly, Kimberly, and Rick Jr. Later, he reunited with his first love Carol, and they married on January 8th, 1971 . T ogether they
raised four children: A daughter Ann, a son Larry, and a set of twins, Michelle and Patrick. His U.S. A rmy service allowed him the opportunity to travel abroad with his family, giving all of them many memories and life experiences. While we packed up and moved quite often, we relied on each other and enjoyed the once-in-a-life-time adventures we had together.

He is survived by Kelly (Howard) Coop , Larry E. Turk (wife Teresa), Michelle L. Oxley (Jim), Pat Coop (Brenda), Richard G. (Rick) Coop Jr. (wife Liz). He also had 37 grand and great grand children.

Richard did not really know any strangers. He made friends wherever he went. He made friends in every neighborhood he lived in, store he shopped, restaurant he ate at, car wash he went to, or mailbox he had received mail at.

A committal service will be held on May 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery located at 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road Boise, Idaho.