Raymond Cooper
Raymond Cooper’s life was a story of family adventure, dedication, and an insatiable curiosity for the world—a narrative woven from family legacy, personal achievement, and boundless exploration. He was a man who embraced every challenge, lived with passion, and left an enduring legacy through his work, family, and travels.
Born into a family defined by resilience and hard work, Raymond’s roots ran deep. His father, Hugh Rankin Cooper, was one of ten children, born on May 8, 1918, in Monticello, Kentucky. Hugh’s father, George Thompson Cooper (1876–1921), left behind a legacy of perseverance that Hugh carried into adulthood. A paratrooper in World War II, Hugh embodied courage despite having only a sixth-grade education. Meanwhile, Raymond’s mother, who completed the eighth grade, worked in a factory during the war—possibly at Firestone—assembling tanks to support the war effort. Their modest educational beginnings did not hinder the values they passed on: hard work, determination, and a belief in the power of perseverance.
Raymond spent his early grade school years in New Castle, Indiana, alongside his sister, Della Louise Gregory, who later raised three children of her own. After the war, the family moved to Kentucky, where Raymond grew up before returning to New Castle in 1951—a move that set the stage for his future. It was in New Castle High School where Raymond met Sylvia, a kind and intelligent young woman who would become his lifelong partner.
Sylvia, born on May 1, 1937, was not only the love of his life but also a steady pillar of support. They married in 1958, just before Raymond completed his studies at Indiana University. As he pursued his medical degree, Sylvia worked as a teacher, nurturing young minds and providing unwavering support to her husband during the demanding years of medical school. Their commitment to each other blossomed into a 55-year marriage, a testament to their enduring love.
Together, they built a family rich in love and laughter. Their first child, Kristi, was born in 1960, followed by Tony in 1965, Cindy in 1966, Torie in 1969, and JR in 1972. Amidst the joy of family life, Raymond’s career took an unexpected turn in 1964 when he was drafted into the Air Force. He served for two years, reaching the rank of captain—a period that further honed his sense of duty and leadership.
Raymond lived in several places throughout his life. He was stationed at Norton Air Base in San Bernardino, California while serving in the Air Force. After his military service, he moved to Los Angeles, California to complete his medical training at the Children’s Hospital. In 1968, Raymond relocated to Springfield, Ohio. In 1977, he moved into a house in the country where he lived until 2025.
After his military service, Raymond and Sylvia settled in Springfield, Ohio, where he co-founded Pediatric Associates of Springfield with Dr. Smith. Under his visionary leadership, the practice grew to include six physicians, serving hundreds of patients daily, and extending care through rounds at Mercy and Community hospitals. His expertise and compassion earned him a term as Chief of Staff at Mercy Hospital, cementing his reputation as a pillar of the community.
Yet, Raymond’s passions extended far beyond medicine. He found solace and joy in a variety of hobbies: fishing on quiet mornings, working on his mini farm, raising animals, and meticulously collecting coins, model trains, and puzzles. He also harbored a deep interest in genealogy, passionately tracing the Cooper lineage back to the original German Kupier brothers who arrived in the United States in the 1680s.
Raymond’s love for his mini farm, often referred to as his gentleman farm, was a significant part of his life. He found immense joy and fulfillment in working on the farm, raising a variety of animals including horses, cattle, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and dogs. This passion for farming was not just a personal hobby but also a way to instill valuable lessons in his children. The farm kept his kids busy, teaching them the importance of hard work and fostering an appreciation for animals and nature . Through their experiences on the farm, Raymond’s children learned to value the effort and dedication required to care for living creatures and the beauty of the natural world. This aspect of Raymond’s life added a rich layer to his legacy, demonstrating his commitment to both his family and his love for the land.
Raymond would often leave a list of chores for his children that seemed impossible at the time. Somehow, they always figured it out. One such chore was to build a long fence on the farm. Without any direction, the kids attempted to pound the metal stakes into the ground with a sledgehammer. The problem was that the kids were young and had to use a ladder to even reach the top of the posts. Somehow, an area farmer witnessed this attempt and returned with a T-post driver to make the job possible. We still laugh and say that it is the greatest invention ever made.
Raymond’s love for Indiana University basketball was a defining aspect of his life. He would watch almost every game, cheering passionately for the Hoosiers. His dedication to IU basketball was unwavering, and he found immense joy in following the team’s journey through various seasons.
One of the highlights of IU basketball that Raymond cherished was the legendary coaching of Bobby Knight. Knight led the Hoosiers to three NCAA championships and was known for his intense and demanding style of coaching. Another memorable mo-ment was Keith Smart’s baseline jumper to win the NCAA championship in 1987. With just seconds left on the clock, Smart’s shot secured a 74-73 victory over Syracuse, clinching Indiana’s fifth national title. Raymond also fondly remembered the perfect un-defeated season of the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers. Under Knight’s leadership, the team achieved a remarkable 32-0 record, becoming the last team to be undefeated national champions.
Raymond’s passion for IU basketball was not just about the games themselves but also about the camaraderie and excitement that came with being a devoted fan. He would often gather with friends and family to watch the games, creating lasting memories and sharing the highs and lows of each season. His love for the sport and the team was a testament to his enthusiasm and dedication, making IU basketball an integral part of his life story.
An avid traveler, Raymond explored every state in the U.S. Many adventures began with the family piled into a travel van, setting off on cross-country road trips—especially out west—filled with euchre games, the alphabet game, and navigation by a trusty TripTik. Among these journeys, his favorite was Alaska, with the Panama Canal coming in a close second. The beach held a special place in his heart as well; Hilton Head became a cherished retreat visited nearly 20 times, and earlier trips had taken the family to the Swamp Fox Hotel in Myrtle Beach. Beyond the mainland, Raymond’s wanderlust led him to several Caribbean islands, each visit adding to his rich tapestry of experiences.
Raymond’s journey was deeply intertwined with love and loss. His beloved Sylvia, who had been his steadfast partner through every high and low, passed away on October 7, 2013. Her departure marked the end of an era, but her spirit, the foundation of their 55-year marriage, lives on in the hearts of their five children and all who were touched by her kindness.
In every chapter of his life, whether healing a child, tending to his farm, uncovering his family’s history, or embarking on a new road trip—Raymond Cooper embraced life fully. His legacy is not only in the thriving pediatric practice he built or the leadership roles he held but, in the love, wisdom, and inspiration he passed down to his children and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He will be remembered most for his love of family and traditions. He was a humble man that reached great success in both family and business. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by all those that loved him.
Special thanks to Merianda, his nurse and friend that helped the family care for dad his last few years.
Raymond is survived by his five children Kristi Betton (Scott), Tony Cooper (Tracey), Cindy Westfall (Mike), Torie Cooper, J.R. Cooper; fourteen grandchildren Kylie Campbell (Doug), Kenzie Betton, Jenelle Cooper (Aaron), Reed Cooper (Kaylee), Nicole Peters (Sam), Devyn Valdivieso (Alejandro), Trevor Deam (Madi), Cyres Cooper, Maddie Deam, Chance Price (Hannah), Morgan Price (Michael), Matthew Westfall, Peyton Cooper, Piper Cooper; and five great grandchildren and counting.