Beloved grandfather and brother, Gerald J. Cooper, 75, of Van Wert, died Wednesday afternoon at the home of his grandson in Delphos. He was born on December 6, 1937, in Dayton, the son of the late Frank J. and Josephine Cooper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, the former Betty L. Hartman and his son, David J. Beck. Family survivors include three grandchildren, David Beck and Stephanie Beck of Delphos and Christopher Beck of Venedocia; a step-son, Lloyd Smith of Camden, MI; four sisters, Joann (Thomas) O'Brien of Dayton, Mary (Howard) Jaynes of Baraboo, WI, Martha (Howard) Weinert of Dayton, and Celilia Cooper of Dayton; one brother, John (Sharon) Cooper of Dayton; five nieces; and ten nephews. Gerald was a veteran of the U.S. Army and had retired from Kennedy Kit Mfg. in Van Wert. He was a member of American Legion Post #178, V.F.W. Post #5803, and Eagles Lodge #886 all of Van Wert. He will be always on our minds and forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert with Father David Reinhart officiating. Interment will follow in Van Wert Woodland Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the combined honor guard of the American Legion and V.F.W. Posts. Calling will be one hour prior to the memorial service.