Kevil, KY Benny Franklin Cooper, age 68, passed away in Bandana, KY, on Friday, January 3, 2025. He was born November 23, 1956, in Bandana, Ky to his late parents; John Forrest and Elenore (Alvey) Cooper.
As a young boy Benny's dedication to hard work started in grade school where he never missed a day of school in 12 years and during this time his love for farming was embedded in his blood. He came from a family line of farmers which was started by his great grandfather. He began working on Clarence Cooper and Sons farms at a young age and as the time passed it was passed down to his father and renamed John F Cooper and Sons. After many years Benny had the privilege of taking over the family farm which is known to this day as B & T Farms. Many years were spent raising hogs and at the present time he was raising cattle.
Benny was a man of many accomplishments with many different titles along the way. In the past he served many terms as President of Ballard County Farm Bureau and served on many state boards. One of his biggest accomplishments he was known for was creating a program to promote soybeans. At that time, he was asked by the Kentucky State Soybean Association to travel the world to promote his program. He served on the Kentucky Soybean Board as Chairman and also the National Soybean Board. He traveled internationally to over 30 countries over a period of several years.
He was a faithful member of Bandana Community Church. If Benny wasn't farming, you could find him on Kentucky Lake. He loved the water and for many years he taught several how to water ski. Benny was not a big talker, but when he spoke you listened. His grandson, Nick said everything was about a lesson. Benny enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing, and he was an avid UK Basketball fan. His greatest pride and joy was being Pop to his grandchildren. He spent many hours playing basketball with them and letting them drive to and from church at an early age as he did his daughters.
Benny is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terre (Hite) Cooper; two daughters, Tori Hartman (Frank) of Mt. Vernon, IL, Kaycee Byrd (Zach) of Murray, KY; two brothers, William Cooper (Sharon) of Bois D' Arc, MO and Gene Cooper of Cadiz, KY; three grandchildren, Nick Hartman, Ella Jean Byrd and Charlie Byrd.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Morrow Funeral Chapel in LaCenter, KY beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Morrow Funeral Chapel in LaCenter, KY beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Stan Waldon and Rev. Bob Cain officiating.
Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.
