EDWARD J. COOPER, age 88, of Portage, and formerly of East Gary, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Brookdale Senior Living. He served in the US Navy and was retired from the US Steel rail mill. Ed was a faithful member of Portage Community Bible Church and enjoyed bowling and walking in his spare time.

Edward is survived by his brother, Robert Cooper of Bloomington, IL; several nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie L. "Lucy" Cooper; parents, Edward J., Sr. and Elsie Cooper; sister, Dorothy Vanderstek.

Memorials may be made to Portage Bible Church.

Visitation for Ed will be Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 2:00 until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., with Pastor Ron Smith officiating. Entombment will take place in Kentucky at Happy Valley Memorial Gardens. For information, please contact (219) 942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.