Robert Hartley Cooley

Our Good Lord mercifully took Robert H. Cooley home to heaven on Saturday morning, October 22, 2016. His long struggle with cancer ended peacefully at home with his 60 year love, Jeannie, at his bedside.
Mr. Cooley was born July 25, 1941, in Arlington, IN, to parents Lowell and Opal Cooley who preceded him in death. Mr. Cooley graduated from Arlington High School in 1959, having served as Class President, trumpet player and scrappy leader of the Arlington Wildcats basketball and baseball teams.
After attending Butler University, he married the former Regenia Carole Pedigo, November 12, 1960. She was the love of his life, and together they raised three sons who survive: Robert Lowell Cooley and wife Kellie of Newton, NC, Brian Scott Cooley and wife Lesa of Noblesville, IN, and Barry Wade Cooley and wife Pamela of Portland, OR. He was also so proud of his four grandsons, Brian, Matthew, Andrew and Brandon, and one granddaughter, Madison, who survive. Mr. Cooley is also survived by his sister, Betty Carole Fancher and husband Bob, Arlington, IN, and his brother, Garry Evan Cooley and wife Connie of Milroy, IN. He was preceded in death by his uncles, Leon Cooley, Omer Cooley and Pete Bogue.
Detective Sergeant Cooley proudly served 27 years with the Indiana State Police, received many honors and mentored a new generation of Indiana's finest. During his service, he was the recipient of the State of Indiana's highest honor, "Sagamore of the Wabash". After State retirement, he became Manager of Security for American Trans Air Airlines for 10 years. Those years spanned the most challenging years in our country's aviation history, including 9/11/2001. Security measures he developed during those years are still in place today, working to keep American safe from threats at home and abroad.
When faced with a rare cancer diagnosis and short term fatal prognosis, Mr. Cooley enrolled in a clinical trial with the Oregon Health & Sciences University and the Novartis Drug Co. This move extended Mr. Cooley's life by over sixteen years and helped create Gleevec, which is now treating G.I.S.T. cancer and leukemia patients worldwide.
Besides a storied career and long fought battle, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and 10K running. He also enjoyed time with his many friends from the law enforcement fraternity, but most of all, cherished his time with his beloved wife, Jeannie, and wonderful family.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, October 28, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1685 Westfield Road (State Road 32), Noblesville, IN. Formal services will be Saturday, October 29 at 10:30 am, also at the funeral home.
Mr. Cooley will be buried Saturday, October 29, 2:30 pm, with a graveside service at the Cooley Family Plot, Arlington East Hill Cemetery, Arlington, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to G.I.S.T. Research, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Mail Code CH7M, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR 97239; or Rush County Community Foundation, Inc., 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173; or Indiana State Police Alliance Cops For Kids, CFK/ISPA Foundation, 1415 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203-1946.