Rex was raised in a rural area and worked on a farm. He graduated from Vamoosa High School before going on to receive his certification in watchmaking from Okmulgee Tech. He moved to Edmond in 1966 as a jeweler and watchmaker. In 1974, he went to work for the City of Edmond’s electric utility where he built pole lines, worked out of a bucket truck, was a lineman, and retired in 1999 as the Electric Warehouse Supervisor.
Rex was a dedicated and active member of Heritage Baptist Church. He loved hunting, fishing, woodworking, and working in his garden. He was great with his children and grandchildren. He was an extraordinary man, much loved by all who knew him.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James “Jim” Cooley and Jerry Cooley. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lois Marie Cooley; brother, Bill Cooley of Seiling, OK; sister, Mildred Roberts of Cushing, OK; sons: Clay Cooley & wife Paula of Edmond, Rex Cooley Jr. & wife Cathy of Guthrie, OK, and Martin Maggard & wife Kathy of Edmond; grandchildren: Jonathan Manning of Moore, OK, Amanda Henderson & husband Jason of Perry, OK, Jenny Cooley & Adam of Guthrie, Zack, Logan and Morgan Maggard of Edmond, and Gentry Whitehead & wife Kellie of Shawnee, OK; nine great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
