GERALD FRANKLIN COOPER, SR., 89, of Hagerstown, Maryland went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the Williamsport Nursing Home. He was surrounded by his loving family continually during his 2 month convalescence. Born November 21, 1921 in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of the late Theodore W. and Ada Mae Easterday Cooper. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Navy. He retired from Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA. He was previously employed with Fairchild Industries. He was a member of First Brethren Church, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Treasurer and Moderator. He attended Life House Church Bethel for the past 14 years. He was a member of Washington County AMVETS Post 10, American Legion Funkstown Post 211 and Eagles in Waynesboro, PA. He is survived by his wife of 69 ½ years, Josephine LaRue Cooper of Hagerstown; two daughters, Sheridan Ann Shoemaker and husband Robert of Falling Waters, W. Va . and Linda Carol Hult and husband Richard of State Line, Pa.; two sons, Gary Wayne Cooper and wife Jennifer of Odenton, Md. and Gerald Franklin Cooper, Jr .and wife Glenda of Greencastle, Pa.; one sister, Julia Humelsine ; one brother, Richard Cooper, both of Hagerstown; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 4 great- great grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren and 3 step great- great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathleen Brumbaugh and Ruth Stoddard; three brothers, William (Bill) Cooper, twin brother, Leon Cooper and Raymond Cooper. Services will be 11:00 a. m. Thursday at Life House Church Bethel, 515 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown. The Rev .Robert E. Revell and Rev. Arvel J. Barrett will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by Washington County AMVETS Post #10 and Marine Corp. League of Hagerstown. The family will receive friends at the Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd. on Wednesday from 6 to 8 P.M. The family expresses their gratitude to the Williamsport Nursing Home for their exceptional loving care. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.