Rev. Harry E. Cooley
The Rev. Harry E. Cooley, 94 years, of Fairchance, Pa., died Saturday, September 11, 2004, in his residence with his loving family by his side and went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ.
He was born April 23, 1910, in Uniontown, Pa., son of Harry Cooley and Sarah McFadden Cooley.
Harry was converted to Christ at age 18 in a revival service at the Uniontown Free Methodist Church and felt called to the ministry two years later.
He was an ordained Elder in the Pittsburgh Conference of the Free Methodist Church, served in the active ministry for 42 years, retiring in 1980.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 34 years, Juanita Barber Cooley in 1967, three brothers and two sisters, William Cooley, Donald Cooley, Arthur Cooley, Esther Cale, Emma “Kate” LaClair, and his parents.
His first pastorate was in Hopwood, Pa., from 1938 to 1940. He subsequently served pastorates in Little Brownfield, Oliphant, Tarentum, Vandergrift, Indiana, Cove Run and Fairchance in Pennsylvania as well as Mount Sharon, McConkey and Morgantown in West Virginia.
Following his retirement from the ministry he became caretaker of the Free Methodist Campground in Fairchance, served in that position for 21 years, retiring at age 91.
He will long be remembered for his cards and notes of encouragement to hundreds of people during his retirement years.
Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Mary L. McGregor Cooley; children: Paul K. Cooley and wife Martha of Gerry, New York, Lois C. Fike and husband William Fike of Syracuse, New York, James R. Cooley and wife Linda of Morgantown, West Virginia, Janet L. Burnworth and husband Donald Burnworth of Uniontown, Pa., and Charles Cooley and wife Marie of Fairchance, Pa.; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; sister, Mary Jeffreys, and brother, H. Kenneth Cooley, both of Uniontown, Pa.
The family will receive friends in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, Pa., today from 2 to 9 p.m.
Additional viewing in HOPWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH, Hopwood, Pa., on Tuesday, September 14, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral Services begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Charles O’Brien officiating.
Private interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hopwood Free Methodist Church, Hopwood, PA 15445 or Light and Life Free Methodist Campground, Fairchance, PA 15436.