J. Wayne Cooper, 73 DOVER - J. Wayne Cooper, of Dover, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, at home. He was 73. Mr. Cooper was born Feb. 7, 1936, in Harrington, to the late Howard Cooper and Mary Minner Cooper. Mr. Cooper graduated in 1954 from Harrington High School and from the University of Delaware in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science. During his college years he was a member of the Fraternity of Alpha Zeta. Following his college graduation, Mr. Cooper served two years in the United States Army. Then, in 1962, he was employed by Farm Credit Banks of Baltimore, a part of the nationwide Farm Credit System. He subsequently served in Association management positions in Maryland and Virginia. Mr. Cooper ended his Farm Credit career in 1998 after 25 years as President and CEO of the former Delaware Farm Credit Association. During his career, Mr. Cooper received several awards in recognition of his management and leadership skills. Following his retirement in 1998, he became actively involved in volunteer work. He was lifetime member of the Friends of Bombay Hook where he served as a Director and Treasurer of the organization for many years. He was also a former Director of the Ag First Farm Credit Retirees Association and Director of the Delaware Agriculture Museum and Village. Mr. Cooper has been a member of Wesley United Methodist Church since 1973 and served in many capacities including Treasurer of the Trustees Building and Improvement Fund. Other affiliations included being a member of the Harrington High School Alumni Association, the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, and Wild Quail Golf and Country Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 47 years, Sylvia Willis Cooper (6/23/09). Mr. Cooper is survived by his son, Jay Wayne Cooper and his wife Laura of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his daughter, Teresa Cooper Craig and her husband Thomas of Indianapolis, Ind.; and four grandchildren, Gavin and Connor Craig, and Henry and Anna Cooper. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 209 S. State Street, Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 209 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19904, Memorial Fund. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.