ERNEST LAY COOPER, age 76 years of Whiteford, MD, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, MD. He was the husband of Sylvia A. (Krout) Cooper with whom he had shared 48 years of marriage.

Born on September 26, 1938 in Delta, PA, he was a son of the late Ramsay Sidney Cooper, Sr., and Catherine Dorothy (Lay) Cooper. Living locally for his entire lifetime, he graduated from North Harford High School in 1956 of Pylesville, MD and was a member of Slateville Presbyterian Church in Delta, PA. A lifelong dairy farmer, he raised pigs and was known as a joker.

Mr. Cooper drove a milk truck for the Dublin/Darlington Coop and for Myron Pomraning, a truck for Snyder's Canning and also drove a school bus. He had a great memory, enjoyed reading the newspaper, watching the news and car racing. Mr. Cooper was known to everyone as a genuine and honest man.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Two sons-

Gregory A. Cooper of Whiteford, MD

Gary M. Cooper and his wife, Melissa of Kill Devil Hills, NC

A brother, Ramsay S. "Babe" Cooper of Whiteford, MD

Two sisters-

Catherine Christina Hale and Mary Margaret Krouse, both of Whiteford

Three grandchildren-

Isabella Rose Cooper, Sophia Grace Cooper and Ian Jackson Cooper

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA. The funeral service will follow beginning at 11 a.m. with Reverend Kenneth Osborne of Slateville/Slate Ridge Presbyterian Churches officiating.

Interment will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Delta, PA.

In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate memorial contributions to Slateville Presbyterian Church, 308 Slateville Road, Delta, PA 17314.