Ralph Edward Cooley, 75, died Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at his home on Kirkman Farms.
He was born Oct. 11, 1937, in Oakside, son of Barney Raymond and Wilma Dyer Cooley. He and Phyllis Jane Feldman were married March 9, 1958. He later married Bessie Fay Cole.
He spent his early years working in the log woods using a team of horses and mules. Upon returning to Missouri from the west, he purchased the Cooley family homestead, where he and his wife, Phyllis, farmed cattle, sheep and goats. He also did customized feed grinding for local farmers. Most years he would also grow a big garden and give most of what he grew away for others to enjoy.
His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed taking Fay to dances.
Several years ago, Ralph accepted Christ as his Savior. He reaffirmed his faith with his special pastor, David Barbee, whom he met during his battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Nellie; and his wife of 36 years, Phyllis.
Survivors include his wife, Fay, of the home; a daughter, Laura Bell; a granddaughter; a grandson; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bill Cooley and Claude “Bud” Cooley of Summersville and Herbert (Pug) Cooley of Mountain View; a sister, Dorothy Woods of Wood River, Neb.; and a host of family members and friends.
Services were Saturday, June 8, at Bradford Funeral Home with the Rev. David Barbee officiating. Burial was in Oakside Cemetery.
