FORT MYERS BEACH
G. Richard “Dick” Cooley, formerly of Woodland Drive, Columbus, peacefully passed away on October 2nd, 2023, in Cape Coral, FL at the age of seventy-six.
Born on August 5, 1947, Dick was the son of Dorothy (Darnell) Quillen and George Wesley Cooley. He married his beloved wife, Pru Walker Cooley, on February 28, 1985.
Dick attended Columbus High School and graduated in 1965. He later studied at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Dick began working at Cummins Engine Company in 1965 and retired in 1995. After retirement Dick worked for Menards and volunteered at the Love Chapel Food Pantry in Columbus.
Dick was a fantastic drummer and played with the marching band while in high school. It was during his younger school years that Dick, and his friends formed their band, the XLs; they continued playing together until after high school. Approximately 20 years ago Dick and his bandmates got back together and played several gigs locally. Dick and the XLs were the closing act at the Commons Mall New Years Eve celebration in 2013. Dick played percussion and was instrumental in the music programs when he attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Edinburgh and Church of the Ascension in Fort Myers Beach, FL.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Pru; children: Lisa (Matt) Wieneke and Amy Cooley, both of Seymour; Jenifer (Dan) Smith of Greenwood; Brandon (Samantha) Schrock of Plainfield; and Sarah Cooley of Columbus; sister Barbara (Jim) Brown of St. Cloud, FL; and brothers, Jeff Quillen of Columbus, and John and Stanley Cooley of FL. Dick’s grandchildren include Mackenzie, Reid, and Ryan Wieneke; Kendra Boyer; Kristen DeMars; Connor, Ella &Tanner Schrock; and William Smith. Dick’s great-grandchildren include Gabe Cooley; Nora, Joshua, and Myles Boyer; and Matthew DeMars. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Calvin Quillen; and sister Kathy Cooley.
Aside from his love for music, Dick was passionate about his participation with the Moose Lodge 398 in Columbus. Dick joined the lodge in 1998 and participated in several local and national Ritual Competitions. Dick, who was an impeccable clotheshorse, also loved spending time with Pru, his kids and grandkids. He and Pru were inseparable and could often be seen out about on the town dancing and have a great time with their friends. They frequently cooked together, took Sunday drives, and watched the sunset nightly after moving full-time to Fort Myers Beach, FL three years ago. Dick was a huge fan of Miller Genuine Draft and would often say “it’s 5:00, are you ready for a beer?” To honor Dick’s memory, we ask that you please raise your glass and make a toast as he will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
If so inclined, donations may be made in honor of Dick to the Love Chapel Food Pantry, 311 Center St, Columbus, IN 47201 or the Music Department at the Church of the Ascension, 6025 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.
