On January 22, 2022, Stephen Cooper, 68, of Buda, Tx, passed away peacefully after a long illness.

Stephen was born on May 27th, 1953, to Allen and Peggy Cooper in Dallas, Texas. He grew up involved with church, scouting, and the Dallas Cowboys. After graduating from King High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Army.  He went on to study business administration at Corpus Christi State University. After graduation, Stephen landed his first job as an auditor for the Texas Railroad Commission, kicking off a 38-year career with a fine group of people. Stephen logged thousands of miles traveling across Texas - from Muleshoe to Brownsville and El Paso to Shreveport. He never met a Texan he didn't like or a place in our state that he didn't find interesting.

Stephen loved history and never passed a historical landmark or an opportunity to google a fact to learn something new. He wondered at the moon and stars in the night sky through his telescope. He also cared about animals especially his two dogs, Sam and Sarah.

In 1975, he met Judy, and they wed in 1978.  Their marriage spanned forty-three years. They had three sons, Allen, Matthew and his wife Amanda, and Stephen. He treasured each of his sons, his daughter in law, and his seven sweet grandchildren: Katelyn, Eric, Willow, Riley, Landry, Charley, and Dylan.

Stephen planned life around his family. He loved family vacations and proudly shared the heritage of our beautiful State and National Parks with his family. Any day spent with the kids or grandkids was special. Whether watching their soccer games, celebrating their birthdays or achievements, or just watching T.V., every moment with them was pocketed away. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he was both caring and involved. He had a way of making each family member feel special.

Stephen Cooper was predeceased by his parents Allen and Peggy Cooper and sister Pam Kelly and sister in law Margaret Cooper. He is survived by his big brother Mark Cooper, his twin brother David Cooper, and sister Penny Cooper. In lieu of flowers, please give to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A Graveside service will be held at 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.