Dr. Craig C. Cooper, 77, Rotonda West, Fla.

Craig C. Cooper, Ph.D., D.O., passed from this earth on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 in Rotonda West, Fla. He had fought against pancreatic cancer for two and a half years and while his will remained strong, his body just could take no more.

Craig was born in Hartley on Oct. 30, 1943, and was raised on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. In 1965, he went from Hartley to Iowa State University in Ames, graduating with a degree in Animal Sciences. After graduation there, he went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., where he achieved his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Muscle Biology in 1970.

A variety of circumstances took him to a ranch west of Ada, Okla. where he spent many years breeding and raising purebred championship cattle. In 1982, he took a leap of faith and at the age of 38 fulfilled his lifelong wish to attend medical school. He attended the Oklahoma State University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Tulsa, Okla., graduating in June, 1987.

After having met Toni Baulch, of Ada, just prior to leaving for medical school in 1982, in August of 1987 they were married in Ada. The first two years of their married life were spent in Salina, Kan. while Craig finished the last two years of his medical residency through the University of Kansas. After completing his medical studies in 1989, Craig and Toni moved to Springdale, Ark. where he practiced family medicine for 26 years. In 2019, following his diagnosis and wanting to move south, a move was made to Florida where Toni’s brother had relocated from Oklahoma.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Clinton; and his mother, Sarah; as well as his oldest sister, Claudette Hourigan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years: Toni; older brother, Charles Cooper; and his cherished older sister, Connie Riedemann, of Hartley. Also surviving Craig are five nieces and two nephews who were of great support in his last months. He also had six great-nephews and one great-niece, and enjoyed talking with them and at times counseling them on future life choices.

Services will be held at a later date when it is safer to travel. Englewood Community Funeral Home with Private Crematory is assisting with the arrangements.