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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF EDWIN H. COOPER
______
HON. BILL FLORES
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edwin H. Cooper of
Robertson County, Texas. Edwin passed away on 29 April 2020.
Edwin was born 3 September 1930 to Margaret and Leslie Cooper. He
graduated from San Marcos High School in 1949 and enrolled in Texas A&M
University, where he was a proud member of the fighting Texas Aggie
band.
While at Texas A&M, Cooper was also a member of the Alpha Zeta
Fraternity (scholastic) and was a distinguished student.
During the summer of 1951, Edwin married his high school sweetheart,
Peggy Jean Martin.
In 1953, Edwin received a bachelor of science in wildlife management
and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.
He attended Armor Basic Camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being
assigned to the Second Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany.
After his honorable discharge, Edwin returned to Texas and his family
to work as an Assistant Agriculture County Agent in Travis County.
Edwin's professional career combined his two loves: wildlife and
Texas A&M University. Beginning as a specialist in wildlife
conservation, he worked his way up to Director of Office School
Relations and Coordinator of Special Projects--Education Information
Services, all at Texas A&M University.
Edwin's professional experience also included specialist in wildlife
conservation at the Texas Agriculture Extension Service, Assistant to
President Earl Rudder, Director of Civilian Student Activities,
Assistant to President Jack K. Williams, Director of Admissions; Dean
of Admissions and Records, Director--Office of School Relations, and
Coordinator of Special Projects--Education Information Services, all at
Texas A&M University.
Mr. Cooper is the author of four books, including one entitled:
``Forty Years at Aggieland,'' published in 2013, which detailed his
career at Texas A&M.
Upon his retirement, Edwin and his wife, Peggy, moved to Camp Creek
Lake in Robertson County, where he continued to enjoy fishing, hunting,
and spending time outdoors with his family and friends.
Edwin's civic involvement included Vice President of the Bryan-
College Station Jaycees, President of the Brazos County A&M Club,
Councilman of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, and Vice
President of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, and Board
of Directors of the Aggie Band Association.
Mr. Cooper has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the A&M
Consolidated Independent School District, chairman of the Board of the
St. Joseph Hospital, Class Agent of the Texas A&M Class of 1953,
President of the Executive Committee of College Board-Southwest Region,
and Trustee to College Board. He also served 2 years as chairman of the
National Membership Committee of College Board. Edwin was
enthusiastically involved in Methodist church activities in Bryan-
College Station and in Franklin, Texas.
Madam Speaker, Edwin served his country proudly for many years, and
his legacy will be forever woven into our American history. Edwin was
not only a public servant; he was a proud Texas Aggie, a devout
Methodist, and a committed family man. I will always remember Mr.
Cooper because his signature is affixed to my Texas A&M diploma.
My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to
the Cooper family. I have requested that a United States flag be flown
over our Nation's Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and service of
Edwin H. Cooper.
As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our
country during these difficult times, for our veterans, for our
military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who
keep us safe at home.
____________________