Rites held for Earl Cosper
Earl Dean Cosper passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Alexandria VA Health Care Center in Pineville, Louisiana at the age of 91.
Earl was born September 25, 1934 in Non, Oklahoma to Jesse James Cosper and Jettie Pearl (McCoy) Cosper. He graduated from Pharoah public school. Earl was a retired Master Sargent Air Force Veteran. He proudly served our Country from 1956 to 1977, 5 tours (Korea-1/ Vietnam-4) and earned a Purple Heart and was presented a Bronze Medal by Lady Bird Johnson.
As a Mechanic Crew Chief, Earl earned the confidence of all pilots who flew in his assigned aircraft. In 1966 he received a Commandant Award explaining that his proficiency and pride in his aircraft had resulted in lowest quality control issues and his aircraft accumulated 100 hours more flying time than any other F-100 during this same period.
He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, by Col William Eichelberger, because of five months of unabated sorties which established a base record of 63.
He was named to the top ten crew chiefs of the Republic F-105F Thunderchief Aircraft with a base record of 85 consecutive unabated sorties completed, marking 5 months of acclaimed success.
Earl enjoyed bowling, gardening, listening to country music, cooking, and smoking meat.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Jettie Pearl Cosper; brother Ernest Lee Cosper; sisters Ruby Hoskison and Grace Marie Lindley.
He is survived by his children William Cosper of Henryetta, Oklahoma, Dennis Cosper and wife Lupe Garcia of Diamond Bar, California, Donald Cosper and wife Dawn of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Earl Robert Cosper and wife Kelly of Canyon City, Colorado; five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Earl is survived by numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 5th, at Hudson Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with Randall Miller officiating.
Interment followed at Non Cemetery, Non, Oklahoma.
Services were under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home in Holdenville, Oklahoma.