Aug. 30, 1948 — Sept. 9, 2014

Miles Stephen Cooper, 66, of Niles, Michigan died Tuesday morning, Sept. 9, 2014, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1948, in Zanesville, Ohio to Victor E. and Elinor R. (Thomas) Reed, coming to Niles as a child, and living here most of his life. He attended Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. As a devout Adventist, he was proud to serve as a Medic in Viet Nam, honorably fulfilling his obligation to the United States Army, and was a Veteran of the Viet Nam Era.

Miles began his career in nuclear medicine at the former Mercy-Memorial Medical Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He then served at Elkhart (Indiana) General Hospital for twenty years, retiring in 2010. In retirement he has continued to provide consultation in nuclear medicine.

Stephen – as many of his friends and relatives knew him – was a member of the Buchanan Lodge #449, Loyal Order of the Moose, and American Legion Post #26 in Niles. He was a student of martial arts, and demonstrated the proficiency to be awarded the black belt. He also enjoyed visiting the Fernwood Botanic Gardens.

On September 3, 2006 in Buchanan he married the former Teri Lynn Moore with whom he had just celebrated 5 days ago their 8th anniversary.

Surviving family includes his wife, Teri Cooper; daughter, Nikki and 6 grandchildren; Teri’s son Joshua Musick of Richmond, Indiana and his 4 children; Miles’ mother, Elinor R. (Dr. David) Peshka of Niles; a sister, Phyllis (William) Shupp of Edwardsburg, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Cooper and a brother, John T. Cooper.

The funeral service for Miles Stephen Cooper will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Thomas Fox officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Contributions in memory of Miles may be made to the American Legion Post #26, or to Fernwood Botanic Gardens.

www.halbritterfunerals.com