Memorial services for Warren Cooper, a trailblazing aviation professional and founder of the nation’s first wholly Black-owned forensic drug testing laboratory, will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Life Covenant Church, The Tabernacle, 1028 East 78th Street, Chicago.
Cooper, who died in January from complications of heart disease, was 72.
A barrier-breaking figure in two distinct industries, Cooper was the first African American air traffic controller assigned to the Federal Aviation Administration’s O’Hare Tower—then the busiest airport in the world. He joined the FAA as an air traffic control specialist at O’Hare International Airport in 1980 and quickly distinguished himself, becoming the first African American controller certified for O’Hare. He served as a specialist from 1980 to 1983 and later as an air traffic control supervisor from 1983 to 1992, earning the FAA’s Exceptional Employee Award for his service.
Cooper’s path to aviation and business leadership was shaped by a strong academic foundation. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and later attended the University of St. Louis Law School from 1976 to 1978 before embarking on his second groundbreaking career.
In 1993, Cooper founded ACCU-Lab Medical Testing, Inc., establishing what is recognized as the nation’s first and only wholly Black-owned forensic drug testing laboratory. That same year, he gained national attention after warning consumers that a popular herbal arthritis remedy could trigger false positive drug test results—costing individuals their jobs.
Also in 1993, Cooper testified before Congress regarding federal guidelines that effectively excluded minority-owned laboratories from obtaining Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration certification required by Department of Transportation-regulated industries. Despite being locked out of that segment of the market, he built ACCU-Lab into a nationally respected provider of forensic drug testing services, with results that consistently held up in court. For years, ACCU-Lab served as the preferred provider of forensic drug testing for the Cook County Adult Probation program.
A strong advocate for consumer awareness, Cooper became a nationally sought-after consultant on drug testing issues. He co-authored a chapter on measuring impairment that was included in the Colorado, Michigan and Wisconsin editions of Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana. As instant drug test cups became more widely used, Cooper again raised concerns, warning that such tests often failed to meet forensic standards while producing higher rates of false positives.
Cooper operated ACCU-Lab until 2019. After closing the laboratory, he remained active in his community, joining the board of the 1700 E. 56th Street Condominium Association. He served first as a director and later as vice president, earning the nickname “Mr. 1700” for his sharp financial oversight, which saved residents hundreds of thousands of dollars through careful review of proposed expenditures.
Throughout his career, Cooper received numerous honors for his professional excellence and public service. His recognitions included selection to Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, the Ground Breaker Award from the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce, a Minority Business Opportunity Council Appreciation Award, and the Minority New Innovative Business Award from Minority Enterprise Development. His advocacy work earned him an Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Effort from the Midwest Community Council, while his aviation achievements were recognized with the FAA’s Exceptional Employee Award.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cooper was deeply engaged in civic and community life. He was an early participant in Real Men Cook, where his signature dish—sweet potato cheesecake—became a favorite at the annual fundraiser for the South Side YMCA. He was also a member of the Chicago Urban League, the NAACP, and the Governor’s Club, and served as a deacon at United Faith Temple.
An avid traveler and golfer, Cooper spent time throughout the Caribbean and developed a particular fondness for St. Kitts, where he had planned to retire.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie Holmes Cooper.