SFC (Ret) Ronald Lee Cooley

Ronald Lee Cooley, son of the late Samuel S. and Ada Marie Cooley, was born December 4, 1936 in Casey, Illinois. At the age of 19, Ron entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in September 1977 after 21 years of service and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. For his faithful service, Ron earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star. Ron’s military service included leadership positions in construction and maintenance. His overseas assignments included Republic of Vietnam, Germany and Korea. During his time in the military, Ron met Ok Cha Baek and they were united in marriage on October 21, 1965 in Seoul, Korea. They shared over 52 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories before she preceded him in death on January 9, 2018. At an early age, Ron made a profession of faith and he was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville. He served in several different capacities including Deacon and trustee. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking for the Vacation Bible School children and was always willing to help wherever he was needed. Ron and Ok Cha’s lives revolved around their church, home and work. Ron was also a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM. Ron went home to be with his Lord and be reunited with Ok Cha Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville having attained the age of 81 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Ron leaves to cherish his memory, his nephew, Songho Baek of Irvine, CA; two siblings: Larry Cooley of Indiana and Lois Cooley Neibarger of Martinsville, Illinois; other relatives and a host of friends. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Al Flohr and Dr. Dennis Crowder officiating. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

SFC (Ret) Ronald Lee Cooley

December 4, 1936 - January 17, 2018