Russell V. "Rusty" Cooper, 94, of Salamanca died on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Salamanca Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, following a long illness. Born on January 16, 1931 in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Clifford and Edith Jimerson Cooper.
Russell was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Beaver Clan. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. He attended Haskell High School in Haskell, KS.
Russell had been employed as a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes for over 30 years, based in Duluth, MN.
He was a member of the American Legion Iroquois Post 1587 in Irving. Rusty was a licensed pilot who enjoyed flying and had an interest in electronics. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Surviving are four sons, Maylen Cooper and Stephen Cooper, both of Lawtons, Virgil (Debbie) Cooper and Lewis (Diane) Cooper, both of Irving; a brother, Duane Sundown of Denver, CO; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane Stevens Cooper; two sisters, Shirley Schindler and Harriett Jimerson; and three brothers, Sherwood Cooper, Frederick Lascelles and Harlan Sundown.
Friends may call on Tuesday, May 13 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street in Salamanca. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Marvin Abrams officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery in Jimersontown.
Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Iroquois Post 1587 of Irving.
E-condolences can be sent to [email protected] or posted to www.facebook.com/onofh.
