Cloudy, 40° F
(Oct. 17, 2009)
Donald Charles Cooley, long-time Powell resident, died at his home south of Powell early Saturday, Oct. 17. He was 76.
He was born Nov. 1, 1932, in Watertown, S.D., son of Alfred Robert Cooley and Effie Jurgenson Cooley. He attended Powell schools through the 10th grade and earned his GED while serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.
He married Virginia Mae Farnes in Powell on July 13, 1956. The family made its home in Powell where he owned and operated Cooley's Auto Salvage, and he also drove trucks.
Don was a member of Big Horn Basin Boat Club, Elks Club, American Legion and VFW.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and earned the Army Occupation Medal-Germany, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
He greatly enjoyed boating and fishing and was a huge Washington Redskins football fan.
Survivors include his wife Virginia of Powell; two sons, Ken Cooley of Powell and Dan Cooley (Robin) of Cheyenne; two daughters, Cindy Hollowell (Miles) of Cody and Cheryl Newell (Brad) of Powell; a brother, Raymond Cooley of Powell; a sister, Bonnie Jansson of Powell; two sisters-in-law, Melba Sweet and Ruth Cooley, both of Powell; nine grandchildren, Chris Cooley, Mindy Nix, Tanner Cooley, Rafer Cooley, Dusty Kluksdahl, Mackenzi Newell, Madison Cooley, Kasey Kluksdahl and Dawson Kluksdahl; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Noah Nix.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Phyllis Smith; brothers Dick Sweet and Bob Cooley; and brothers-in-law Stanley Smith and Carl Jansson.
Funeral services will be today (Tuesday), Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. George Pasek officiating.
