Kenneth W. Cooley

Kenneth W. Cooley, 90, passed away on August 30, 2014, at Rivermont Gardens, Norman, OK. Kenneth W. Cooley was born August 25, 1924, on a farm south of Berwyn, NE, near Cumro. The second child of John W. and Avis Uhlman Cooley, Kenneth attended grade schools at Sargent Valley, Round Valley, Clear Creek, and Rye Valley, Custer County NE. He attended high school at Round Valley and Triumph, and graduated from Callaway High School in 1942. In April 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp and served in the Southwest Pacific including the retaking of the of the Philippines. He was discharged with the rank of Sargent. On September 29, 1943, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Smith, of Kearney, NE, in San Diego, CA. To this union were born two children, David K. Cooley and Earline K. Cooley (Charlton). Kenneth farmed the Blower’s farm 7 miles NW of Callaway, NE for 4 years. During this period he substituted for Earl Smith, carrier on RR1. At this time he took an interest in the Postal Service and he became a clerk in the Callaway Post Office. On July 1, 1958, he was appointed acting Postmaster. In October 1958, he was accepted into the Postal Inspection Service. He served as a Postal Inspector in Escanaba, MI and Chicago, IL. On November 15, 1970, he received a promotion to Schemes and Routing Officer in Postal Headquarters, Washington, D.C. On September 15, 1971, Kenneth was promoted to USPS Assistant District Manager at Omaha, NE. On November 15, 1971, he was promoted to USPS District Manager, at Wichita, KS. On May 1, 1974, he was promoted to Special Assistant to the Postmaster General, Washington, D.C. for Field Operations. On November 15, 1975, he was appointed District Manager, Columbus District, Columbus, Ohio. Kenneth served on numerous postal service studies including Chairman of a committee to realign district offices. He served on the Postal Service Postmaster Promotion Board for 5 years. Kenneth was known for his expertise in Mail Handling Operations at large offices. His fellow workers kidded him eventually USPS would find a job he could do. Although he never received a college degree he lacked only a few hours, having taken classes at colleges where ever he lived. Kenneth was extremely proud of his postal career. The couple also owned and operated the Star Theater in Callaway for several years. Kenneth retired and returned to Callaway, NE on August 30, 1980. He and Mary spent several years restoring the Huff house at the Southeast corner of Callaway. Kenneth and Mary also spent several years chasing the Cornhusker football team. He was a lifelong Husker fan. Kenneth also belonged to the Elks Club in Broken Bow, NE for over 40 years. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Norman, OK; daughter Earline (Walt) Charlton, Norman, OK; son David (Charlotte) Cooley, Dawson Springs, KY; three grandchildren; Scott (Stephanie) Cooley and their children Bailey and Jake, Bowling Green, KY; Ann Moore, and her children Andrew and Caitlynn, Dawson Springs, KY; Jennifer (Phillip) Thomas, and their children Jaslynn and Luke, Melbourne, FL. Kenneth has three surviving sisters Vivian VonLoh, Bertrand, NE; Alice (Dewayne) Thorell, Lincoln, NE; and Sharon (Dave) Jordening, Germantown, TN. Kenneth was preceded in death by two sisters, Ellenor Cooley and Zelma (Mrs.Charles High, Lexington, NE). Kenneth Cooley will be Inurned at Rose Hill Cemetery, Callaway, NE on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon at the Methodist Church, Callaway, NE, with Pastor Chad Boling officiating, followed by a luncheon at the church. Memorials are suggested to Seven Valleys Historical Society. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is assisting the family with local arrangements. To share online condolences please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.