Michael Gene Cosper, Sr.

Michael Gene Cosper Sr., age 74, passed away July 10, 2021, at the VA Community Living Center in Temple, TX. Visitation will be 5:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at the Harper Talasek Funeral Home, 500 W Barton Avenue, Temple, TX 76501. Services will be held at 2:00pm, July 14, 2021, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home, 500 W Barton Avenue, Temple, TX 76501 with Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery at 1873 N. 1st Street, Temple, TX 76501.Michael Gene Cosper Sr. was born December 9, 1946, in Temple Texas to Winifred Gene Cosper and Minnie Belle Durden Cosper. Michael Gene enlisted in the Navy 1963 where he was assigned to Religious Petty Officer. After Michael Gene completed his Basic training, he was assigned to the USS Wasp aircraft carrier as a gunner’s mate until 1966. While he served on the USS Wasp Aircraft Carrier CV 18 they recovered three Gemini spacecrafts, Gemini 4, 6a, and 7.  Michael Gene served in Vietnam 1966-1967 patrolling the rivers on PBR and swift boats.  Michael Gene loved farming, ranching, riding horses, playing his guitar and harmonica.  Michael Gene was a member of the Bell County Sheriff Posse Organization where he rode in many of Belton's 4th of July parades and performed in rodeos. While Michael Gene was in High school, he was one of the first elected officer in 4H organization. Michael Gene was a salesman, for several years escorted railroad employees to and from their destinations, owned a food truck, enjoying watching his religious channels and Fox News, and listening to Country Music. Michael Gene never met a stranger and would preach the word of God to whoever would listen.  God used Michael Gene to share the gospel with others to save so many souls and touch so many hearts. Michael Gene loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends.

Michael Gene Cosper Sr. is preceded in death by his parents, Winifred Gene Cosper and Minnie Belle Durden Cosper, grandparents, Eddie Henderson.

Mike is survived by his children, Michael Gene Cosper, Jr. and wife Darlene Cosper, Salado, Kevin Wayne Cosper and wife Sherry Cosper, Temple, his daughter Susie Marie Marek and husband David Henry Marek, Belton. His grandchildren Crystal Beierman and husband Cody Beierman, Grant Cosper and Tina Johnson, Andrew Cosper, Bradley Cosper, Tessa Rizvi and husband Scott Rizvi, Logan Marek, Caleb Marek, Casey Sanders, and Colby Sanders.  His great grandchildren Aubry Cosper, Easton Beierman, Riker Beierman, RyLee Sanders, Kinley Powell, Peyton Henry and Anabela Sanders, His brothers Lloyd Cosper Sr. and wife Linda Cosper, Eddie Cosper and wife Beccie Cosper, and Rick Henderson.  Sisters JoNell Kuntschik and husband Alvin Kuntschik, Mollie Orsag and husband Jerome Orsag, Cindy Purvis, Cathy Nichols, Linda Conrad and husband George Conrad. He is survived by his nieces and nephews Chad Kuntschik, Lloyd Cosper Jr., Laura Cegelski, Traci Bartz, Lisa Vanya, Michelle Best, Kelly Holtman, Kyle Cosper, Brittany McLean, Ashley Cosper, Christy Cosper, Heather Cortese, Haley Butler, Christy Arnold and their spouses and families and numerous others.

Memorials may be made to Eldred’s Nursery Foundation, a non-profit job training facility for persons with disabilities ages 18 and older where Mike’s grandson, Logan, an adult with Autism, receives job training skills. Donations can be mailed, or hand delivered to 1220 B Main Street Belton, TX. 76513 or at enfound.org or by calling 254-444-3587.

Special thanks to all the doctors, amazing nurses, social workers, recreation personnel, chaplains, food service, and housekeeping at the VA Community Living Center (Hospice Center) that took such amazing care of Michael Gene Cosper.  We are truly grateful for your compassion and love that you showed him. Special thanks for Heather Cortese for spending time with him while in hospice care.