Wesley Earl Cooley was born to Wilber and Louise (Wright) Cooley in Imperial, Nebraska, on June 27, 1943. He passed away on October 3, 2023, in Coweta, Oklahoma, at the age of 80.
Wes spent the first ten years of his life on a farm in the Hiawatha Community in Dundy County, Nebraska. Wes moved with his parents to a farm east of Lincoln, Nebraska, in March 1953. He graduated in 1961 from University High School. Wes received his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1966.
On August 16, 1964, he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Oelke of Brock, Nebraska. Three children were born to this union – Trina LaRae Yoder of Coweta, OK, Dianna Jane Cooley of Bartlesville, OK, and Tonya Louise Mason of Skiatook, OK.
Upon earning his Bachelor of Science in Education, Wes and his family moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he taught cabinet making and Vocational Home Building. In 1968, Wes accepted an Auto Mechanics teaching position in North Platte, NE.
In June of 1975, Wes and his family moved to Imperial, Nebraska, to the Wilber Cooley home place. The Cooley family operated the agricultural and livestock operation until the sale of the family farm in January 1991. Wes also spent much of his time coaching boys' high school basketball with Danny Lenners, where he impacted students’ lives. Wes served as a board member on the Chase County High School Board of Education. He also worked numerous hours teaching Sunday School Classes at Eden Missionary Church in Wauneta, NE. He also served as the youth director at the Benkelman Friends Church in Benkelman, NE.
In January 1992, Wes and his family moved to Olathe, KS, where he purchased rental property. While in Kansas, Wes attended Kansas University to obtain his Kansas teaching certificate. He taught Driver’s Education at Blue Valley School in Overland Park, KS. Wes and Mary also involved themselves in a small mowing business, which somewhat helped, them make the adjustment from farm and ranch living to city living. In 1998, Wes sold the rental property and moved to Branson, Missouri, where he built a log cabin on Table Rock Lake. Wes enjoyed hosting many families at the log cabin. His highlight while living in Branson, MO, was a small chauffeur business. During that time, Wes met many people from all walks of life and received joy in ministering and fellowship with them.
Wes Cooley was a member of the Skyline Baptist Church in Branson, MO where the message of the Lord Jesus Christ was preached and taught. Wes took part in many parts of the church through coaching Upward Basketball, Bible School, and being a host. He loved all the people he met, especially the children and young people.
Wes is preceded in death by his parents Wilber and Louise Cooley, sister Vivian Johnson, brother Burdette Cooley, and great niece Jessica Cooley. Wes is survived by his three daughters Trina Yoder (Mark), Dianna Cooley, and Tonya Mason (Steve); brother Claire Cooley (Linda) sister Laura Renollet, and sister-in-law Pat Cooley; six grandchildren Daniel and Timothy Gleason, Cody and Jake Odden (Samantha), Danielle Hartzler (JC), and Abby Mason; two great-grandchildren Emerie and Millie Odden; along with many nephews, nieces, and numerous friends.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Real Life Church in Hollister, MO.