William R. Cooper, 89, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Bickford of Bourbonnais in Bourbonnais, IL. He was born on July 21, 1935 in Chicago, the son of William S. and Ruth A. (Wulff) Cooper. He married Betty McAdams in Cherry Hill, IL on February 1, 1975 and she preceded him in passing on April 2, 2009.
Surviving are four sons, Michael (Kelly) Elderson of Bourbonnais, Keith (Tracey) Elderson of Bourbonnais, David (Gina) Thompson of Braidwood, and Peter (Jamie) Cooper of Demotte, IN; eight grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.
Mr. Cooper was a United States Air Force veteran. He retired as a millwright from Carpenters Local 174 in Joliet after working there for many years. He enjoyed midget and modified stock car racing, while building most of his own cars. William was inducted into the Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Grundy County in 2022.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Andy Hamilton will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:30-1:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Newton County Animal Shelter.
