Leonard Leon Cooley
Leonard Leon Cooley, 93, of Anna, died at 12:24 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.
He was born on June 6, 1926, in Johnson County, the son of Leonard and Marie Hines Cooley.
He married Mary Nadine Parr on Aug. 20, 1948. She preceded him in death on August 14, 1982.
For over 50 years, Mr. Cooley was known as one of the most prominent painters in and around the Union County area. He was a painting contractor and started Cooley Painting in 1955. His son, Terry started in the business in 1968 and continued until 2014. He was a member and business representative for the Painters Local 141.
He served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant and was a World War II veteran.
He had a huge heart for his family, especially his grandson and great-grandsons and friends. He loved helping and giving to others, never expecting anything in return.
Besides painting, he also loved fishing, woodworking and had a passion for fixing up old cars to re-sell.
Mr. Cooley was a member of the First Baptist Church and Carroll P. Foster VFW Post No. 3455.
Survivors include his son, Terry (Brenda Sue) Cooley of Anna; a granddaughter-in-law, Wendy Cooley of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; great-grandsons Kyle Cooley and Tyler Cooley, both of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; sisters Marceline (the Rev. Bill) Bohannon of Wood River, Venita Brafford of Herrin and Janelle (Lynn) Eudy of Jonesboro; a brother, Earl Cooley of Dongola; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Kevin Cooley; brothers Vurl Deleen Cooley, Lowell Cooley, Larry Cooley and Richard Cooley; and a sister, Loretta Evins.
Funeral services were at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro, with Pastor Steve Guined officiating.
Interment followed in the Anna City Cemetery, with military honors accorded by the VFW’s Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 and the Illinois National Guard.
Memorials can be made to the Connect Point food pantry.
To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.