Billy Lee “Butch” Cooper, 81, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away December 27, 2021 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. He was born March 10, 1940 to George and Josephine (Kovanda) Cooper in North Platte.
Butch grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte schools, graduating with the class of 1958. He married Vagene Bellows. To this union they had three children, Ted, Leann and step-son Tracy. Then he was married to Coreen, to this union two sons were born, Travis, Troy and Nick was later adopted. Butch married Joan Hanson and to this union they had four children, Joseph, Sara, Adam and Joshua. After high school, Butch worked for Nebraska Game and Parks. He hired on at the Union Pacific Railroad in 1960 as a machinist. After 42 years of service, he retired in 2002. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and will always be remembered as the best kind of troublemaker. He loved to talk on the phone. He was known for being loud and ornery. He was a character. When he was around, everyone knew he was there. He loved his family and had a heart of gold. He loved telling stories and making people laugh. Overall, he was a LEGEND.
Survivors include his wife Joan Cooper of North Platte, children, Lean Skinner, North Platte, Nick Cooper, North Platte, Troy (Bobbie) Cooper, Maxwell, Travis Cooper, North Platte, Sara (Morgan) Maaske, North Platte, Adam (Laura) Schultz, North Platte, and Josh (Kendra) Schultz, North Platte; siblings, Marilyn Keslor, Fairy, Idaho, Georgina Lee, North Platte, Glenda (Ron) Tatman, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Riley (Sheila) Cooper, Fort Myers, Florida, Benny Covington, North Platte, Gloria (Marty) Leidel, Cozad, Nebraska, Kenny (Rogene) Covington, North Platte, Gary (Deanna) Covington, North Platte; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Butch’s family would like to say a special thank you to his closet friends, Kent Priel, Doug Foster, Gary Price, Toby Ziegler, Gene Stansberry, Darrin Tutland, Darrin Blue, Eldon Fisher, Daryl (Kim) Nelson.
Butch is preceded in death by his parents, George and Josephine Cooper, sons, Ted, Tracy and step-son Joe; brothers, Harold and Steve.
Memorials are suggested to the Bass Club or Nebraska Game and Parks.
Visitation will be 12:00 – 7:00 P. M., Thursday, December 30, 2021 with family receiving friends from 4 – 7. Cremation will follow. There will not be any services. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The service will be livestreamed via the Adams & Swanson Facebook page for those unable to attend.