Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Cooper, Wimmer E. April 29, 2005
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K T bluewolf@onemain.com May 3, 2005, 11:57 pm

The Bakersfield Californian 
Wimmer E. Cooper
May 20, 1920 - April 29, 2005 

Wim was born May 26, 1920 in his maternal grandparents Paso Robles home. He 
moved to Bakersfield with his mother and father in 1927 where he remained.

Wims first name (Wimmer) was derived from his family history. His great-great-
great-grandfather, Peter Wimmer, picked up the first gold nugget in Coloma, 
California (Sutters Mill), and presented it to his employer, Marshall. 
Marshall then gave the nugget to Jennie Wimmer, (Peter Wimmers wife) to soak 
it in her lye soap to determine if it was actually gold. That incident began 
the California Gold Rush in January 1848.

Wim attended Emerson, Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College before 
entering the U.S. Coast Artillery (Army) in January 1942. In 1943, he applied 
for the U.S. Air Force and became a lead pilot of a B-17 out of Lavenham, 
England for 19 missions. He received the Air Medal with a 2 Oak Leaf Clusters 
and a Bronze Star for his service.

His occupation and years of service were diverse and interesting. While 
waiting for the World War II draft, he served as a fireman on the Santa Fe 
Railroad. Next in line were his four years in military service. Then a 
wonderful 46-year career and partnership with Jim Bridges in the welding 
supply business: Bakers Welding Supply. His active retirement years were spent 
conducting a variety of real estate and investment ventures.

He served as President of both the Bakersfield 20-30 Club and Westchester 
Lions Club. He was a lifetime member of the 8th Air Force and the National 
Welding Supply Association. Additionally, he was a 52-year member of the 
International Wine & Food Society and served as its Secretary-Treasurer for 20 
years.

He received awards and acclaim for his beautiful lights surrounding his home 
at Christmas plus his outstanding (110) azaleas in the Spring.

His family considered him The Rock of Gibraltar always there for love, support 
and understanding.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cathy Cooper in 1970. His surviving 
family includes his wife, Betty, of 63 years; his daughter, Becky and her 
husband, Jim Jennings; his son, Mark and his wife, Suzie; his five grandsons, 
Jeff, Brian and Scott Ulrich and John and Michael Cooper; and a great-
grandson, Justen Ulrich.

Wims expressed wishes were to have his family, close friends, and longtime 
associates gather together in his home on Saturday, May 7th between the hours 
of 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.

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