Vernon Cooley

Vernon Cooley went home to be with the Lord July 14 in Oklahoma City. He was born July 15, 1936 in Oklahoma City, the son of C. P. and Marie Storey Cooley. He grew up in Bethany and graduated from Putnam City High School in 1954. In 1955, he married Rita Swanda the love of his life, whom he had known since grade school. Vernon went to work for his father-in-law and acquired the family business, Swanda Brothers Inc., in 1974. In 1976, Vernon received Jesus Christ as his Savior. He retired in 1998, relinquishing the business to the 4th generation. Early on Vernon coached little league football and later was actively involved in his sons' and grandchildren's sports including football, wrestling, weightlifting and track and took great pride in all their accomplishments. Vernon was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mountain biking and dirt biking. He also enjoyed antique cars and motorcycles. Most importantly Vernon walked with the Lord and his changed life influenced his family and so many that knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, LaDonna Reynolds. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita; brother, Athel Cooley and his wife Kathy; three children, Chuck Cooley and his wife Karen, Stacey Mason and her husband Brooks, and Darren Cooley and his wife Cristy; 11 grandchildren, Melissa, Angela, Steven, J.J., Kristen, Joseph, Nancy, Kimberly, Madison, Austin, and Cash; numerous great grandchildren and extended relatives.