Loyal Wayne Cooper, 85, of Avon died at 10:13 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007, at his home.
He was born Jan. 28, 1922, in rural Ellisville, the son of Lee and Ruth Loucht Cooper. He married Mary Jean Hale on Jan. 23, 1946, in Cuba. She died Jan. 28, 2006.
Surviving are four sons, Lloyd (and Betty) Cooper of Macomb, Richard Cooper of Frankfort, Ind., Randy (and Betty) Cooper of Canton and Brian Cooper of Avon; four daughters, Carol (and David) Harper of Ellisville, Diana Cooper and Paula (and Leo) Parsano, both of Vermont and Claudia (and Eric) Sanders of Waynesville; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He was a mechanic working at several businesses throughout the community. After retirement, he became known as the broom maker of Babylon, as he traveled around to antique shows during the summers demonstrating how to make brooms like they did in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
He was a member of Spoon River Valley Antique Association, the Argyle Antique Gas Engine Association, S.E. Iowa Gas Engine Association and Spoon River Scenic Drive Association.
Cremation will be accorded and private family services will be held. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any charity of the donor’s choice. Cards may be sent to the Cooper family at PO Box 233, Vermont, IL 61484.
Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.