William "Bill" E. Cooper '48 was a passionate booster of business, aviation and of Dallas.
A family man, veteran of World War II, University of Wichita economics grad who put himself through school while working the night shift at Beech Aircraft and the 1976 WSU Alumni Achievement Award recipient, Cooper once told a Dallas newspaper reporter: “I’ve always been a chamber-of-commerce type. I’d be willing to do anything for Dallas, except go into politics.”
As a business leader, he was key in planning, managing and promoting the Dallas Market Center, considered the largest wholesale merchandise mart in the world. When President John F. Kennedy visited Dallas in 1963, Cooper was general manager and executive vice president of the Trade Mart, a major part of the center — and was involved in coordinating the luncheon the president was to have attended on Nov. 22.
As a civic leader, he figured prominently in the development of the DFW International Airport, serving on its board of directors and as chair from 1991-93. His service to other civic and professional organizations also was extensive. Avidly interested in aviation, he and two others founded the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
In 1973, he received the first Shining Hours Award from the North Texas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for his public service and unflagging efforts in promoting Dallas.
Bill Cooper died March 6 in Dallas.
