Corvallis - Billie Gene Cooper, age 88, passed away in his home on September 2, 2022, after suffering a stroke. Billie was born to Mary Irene (Davis) and Lewis Cooper on December 2, 1933, in Casper, Wyoming.

Billie received his AA in History and Speech, as well as received his certification for HVAC and small appliances.

Billie served in the United States Marine Corps for 22 years and was deployed to both Korea and Vietnam.

Billie married Kiyoko Yamashita on March 14, 1957. After retiring from the USMC, he worked as a zookeeper at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. He later worked as an HVAC technician, owning his own company. He was a member of the Republican National Committee.

Billie enjoyed military wargames and tactical shooting. He loved history, particularly the Civil War era. He enjoyed fishing, shrimping, and crabbing. In his younger years he ran track and field in Casper Wyoming. He rolled his Dad's Sheriff's car twice and then joined the Marines.

Billie is preceded in death by his father Lewis Cooper, his mother Mary Irene Cooper, his brother Robert Cooper, his sister Janice Cooper, and his sister Betsy Borg. Billie is survived by his wife Kiyoko Cooper of Corvallis MT, his son and daughter-in-law Jon and Tracy Cooper of Corvallis MT, his granddaughter Rebecca Cooper of Corvallis MT, and his grandson Matthew Cooper of Missoula, MT.

Military decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal. United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal 2nd Award, M-14 Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Pistol .45 Expert Badge, Vietnamese Service Medal w/ 4 stars, Navy Commendation Medal w/ "V", Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Good Conduct Medal w/ 3 stars, National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 star, Vietmanese Commendation Medal, President Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal w/ 5 stars, Coast Guard Certification of Commendation, Republic of Vietman Air Force Meritorious Unit Citation Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm.