OBIT: Lt. Col. Nelson COOPER, 2005, native of Somerset County, PA
  
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  Transcribed and proofread by Barry and Betty Christy.
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  Cooper, Lt. Col. Nelson  09/01/05  Daily American
  
  Lt. Col. Nelson Cooper, a retired Army Officer with a passion for his country,
  his family, his grandchildren, and his friends, passed away suddenly of a heart
  attack on Aug. 28, 2005, while overseas on a business trip. He was 65. Born in
  Somerset on Sept. 20, 1939, he graduated from Somerset High School in 1957. He
  received a Bachelor of Science in History and Economics and a Masters in
  Business Guidance and Counseling. He enlisted in the Army in 1959, becoming a
  Commissioned Officer in 1961. He served 30 years in the Army. In his early
  years, he developed a passion for world history and miniature soldiers, ships
  and planes. His varied military experience included commanding a tank,
  parachuting, flying helicopters, and working on the Army Staff at the Pentagon.
  A veteran of two Vietnam War tours. He was a recipient of numerous awards,
  including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, two Meritorious
  Service Medals, two Bronze Stars and 21 Air Medals. He was also awarded the
  Master Aviator Badge. Following his retirement, he retained a close association
  with the military through various organizations including: Veterans of Foreign
  Wars, American Legion, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and Military
  Officers Association of America. Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years,
  Betty of Fayetteville, N.C.; son Robert, daughter-in-law, Mila and
  granddaughter, Christina of Springfield, Va.; son Nelson of Southern Pines,
  N.C.; daughter-in-law, Ami, grandson, Daniel and granddaughter, Katherine of
  Fayetteville, N.C.; and mother, Emily of Somerset. His father, Robert, died
  serving his country in World War II when Nelson was 4 years old. In the end,
  the true measure of a man is not the wealth he leaves behind, but the richness
  of the memories he gave to others. He was a beloved son, husband, father,
  grandfather, cherished friend, boss, co-worker, subordinate, patriot, officer,
  and Master Mason. He is deeply loved and missed. Family will receive friends
  from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday with a service beginning at 5 p.m. at Hauger
  Zeigler Funeral Home, 494 West Main St., Somerset. A Masonic service will be
  held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Military Rites accorded by the
  Somerset County Honor Guard.