Ray Edward Cooley, 80, Monon, died Sunday, July 9, at 7:10 a.m. in his home.

He was born Jan. 9, 1920 to Leonard and Geneva Helfrich Cooley, in Monon. He was married August 14, 1947, to Evelyn Ellis, in Monticello, and she survives.

He lived most of his life in the area.

He served from 1941-43, in the U.S. Navy.

He worked for 40 years as a carpenter and was a member of the Lafayette Carpenters Local Union.

He was a member of the Monon First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Monon American Legion, serving as a former commander and was a 55-year member of the Monon VFW.

He is survived by his wife; sons, Ron Cooley and Delbert Cooley, both of Monon and Floyd "Bud" Cooley of LaCrosse; brother, Robert Cooley, Valparaiso; sisters, Marie Erb, Dorothy Rardon and Phyllis Onken, all of Monon; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Kellogg Funeral Home, Monon, with Rev Steve Birch officiating. Burial was in Bedford Cemetery with full military rites.

Memorials may be made to the Monon First Baptist Church.