William Arthur Cooley

William Arthur Cooley, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away in Mesquite, Nevada at the age of 94 from issues due to illness and recent lung cancer diagnosis. He was born January 24, 1930, in Almena, Kansas to Charles Sterling Cooley and Olive Bessie Cooley.

Bill graduated from Florence High School in Colorado in 1948, where he was a star athlete in many sports. Bill came to Utah to work for the Rio Grande Railroad and while there, he also met the love of his life, Betty Rae Painter. They were married on July 28,1951 in Tooele, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was very proud of his service overseas. Betty and Bill had 60 wonderful years together and enjoyed living and raising a family in Rose Park. Bill spent the last 12 years in Mesquite, Nevada with his companion, Ethel Taylor, who cared for him during his illness.

Bill is survived by his children William (Jan) Cooley, Sharon (Bruce) George, Cathy (Lynn) Frandsen, and Teresa (Dave) Allred, his 17 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, Ethel Taylor, and his sister Avis Graham. Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife Betty, his parents and many other in-laws and relatives.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery located at 6500 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84123. A viewing will be available an hour prior to the funeral service. Interment, including military honors, will immediately follow the funeral.