Chester Lee Cooper

Chester Lee Cooper, age 87, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2026, at WestWay Christian Church, 1701 West 27th Street, Scottsbluff, with Pastor Joe Petersen officiating. Visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. A family funeral service will be held later at Old Missionary Baptist Church with interment at Brazos Bottom Baptist Church Cemetery in Tunis, Texas. Memorials may be made in care of the family. Chester’s Nebraska funeral service will be livestreamed and recorded on his obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Chester was born on January 12, 1939, in Tunis, Texas, to Rosie Lee Lewis. He received his education in the Caldwell, Texas area and was active in sports during his school years, especially football at Snook High School.

Chester began a lifelong career in the automotive industry at a young age, learning mechanic work alongside his uncle, Sam Hornsby. He married Barbara in 1959, and together they had five children: Patricia, Kaye, Elvis “Lil’ Man”, Sheila, and Karen Cooper. The family made their home in Rawlins, Wyoming, where Chester worked for Liebers Automotive and later JA Chevrolet Cadillac, specializing in engine repair. In 1974, he relocated to Scottsbluff, where he founded H&C Automotive. Through automotive sales, repair, and painting services, Chester became well known throughout the community for his hard work and dedication, operating the business until his retirement.

In his free time, Chester enjoyed fishing, hunting trips with his longtime friends, Leroy Gonzales and Joe Zewiki, horseback riding, and karaoke. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 36.

Survivors include his daughters, Patricia Cooper, Kaye Cooper Saunders, Sheila Cooper Hale, and Carrie Arguello; son, Chester Arguello; brother, Willie Lee Lewis; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosie Lee Lewis; son, Elvis Cooper; daughter, Karen Cooper; sisters, Amelia Robertson, Leona Hornsby, and Lee Willie Jefferson; and brother, Arnester Jones.

Chester will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love for his family and friends, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew him.