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Denton Cooley
1920 - 2016
Denton Cooley
1920 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1920
DIED
2016
Denton Cooley Obituary
Cooley was a pioneer in open heart surgery, making improvements to nascent heart-lung machine technology in the 1950s and operating to repair infants' congenital heart defects.
In 1962, he founded the Texas Heart Institute, where he performed more than 60,000 open heart surgeries over the course of his career. Of those, two were particularly noteworthy: In 1968, he performed the United States' first successful human heart transplant. In 1969, he performed the world's first artificial heart implant.
The latter milestone led to a professional rivalry with former colleague and fellow Texas heart surgeon Michael E. DeBakey, who had been Cooley’s senior associate. Disagreement about the procedure landed the two world-class heart surgeons on the cover of Life magazine in 1970.
The rift deepened into a personal feud that lasted decades, until they reconciled in 2007, shortly before DeBakey's death at 99.
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Denton Arthur Cooley was born Aug. 22, 1920, in Houston, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1941 and attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He did his surgical training at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. There, he assisted Dr. Alfred Blalock with the first “baby blue” operation. These procedures were performed to correct congenital heart defects that robbed the blood of oxygen.
President Ronald Reagan awarded Cooley the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984.
Cooley's wife, Louise, and a daughter preceded him in death. His survivors include four daughters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
94 Entries
Deborah Montgomery
January 6, 2019
26 years ago today Dr. Cooley saved my life! An open heart double valvular surgical technique unique to him and his extraordinary skill. The Cooley Ring is still in place within my heart. Within my emotional heart, in place forever, is my deep gratitude to this kind, confident, incredibly gifted man. Nearer to the date of Dr.Cooleys passing, in this online guest book are my still heartfelt condolences to his amazing family. Today, I lite this candle in remembrance, and honor. What a timeless legacy he provided for us all. Blessings to all family and loved ones.
carrol
May 12, 2017
Dr. Cooley you saved my babies life in 1964,,she was 4 weeks old, and did open heart surgery when she was an adult , The world has lost an Angel from heaven, she is 48 now with 2 grown children, God Bless You, Carrol Kowis Brenham, Texas
Rose
April 11, 2017
Dr. Cooley made it possible for me to enjoy a normal adult life. I am now a 60-year old grandmother with the same pulmonary valve which he fixed in 1969. It was an honor to see and thank him again personally in 2008. My never ending gratitude to God & to Dr. Denton Cooley. Condolence to all concerned.
Horace Walcott
March 27, 2017
One of the greatest giants in cardiovascular surgery has left the physical dimensions. Dr. Cooley, I thank you for inspiring me to become a pioneering veterinarian and biomedical scientist. In the traditions of a great poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, you have illuminated the spirit of pioneering medicine in others who will inspire their students to become pioneering giants in many fields of scientific medicine beyond cardiovascular surgery.
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Mia
December 29, 2016
Dr. Cooley has done lots of great work. Very rare do we find a person so giving and generous of their time.
I send my condolences. May God give you peace as you cope with your loss.
henry vinson
November 29, 2016
Dr. Cooley will be missed by his many, many friends. My heartfelt condolences to the Cooley family.
Henry Vinson
Robin Britt
November 29, 2016
Dr. Cooley was a lifelong friend to my Uncle Jack Burke and my Dad Eddie Burke, growing up together in Houston. My Dad took me to meet him when I was 17 hoping I would become a physician like his oldest daughter Ouisie! He was without a doubt the best surgeon I have ever witnessed in my 45 years of nursing and watching surgeons both in the OR and/or the dome. He just had the touch and the very special and unusual touch with patientsliterally visited them the first 24 hours post-op, even one of my high school friends Holt Taylor, who I referred in to THI from Idaho just a year and a half ago! He was just the consummate gentleman. HIs love of the Lord, kindness, thoughtfulness, love of family, service to others, especially his mentees, who he treated as equals, was just inspiring! He will be so missed, along with his precious right hand gal Louise! So happy they went to Heaven so quickly togethernever were apart far long! To all the girls and their families, know that your Dad was an icon, a true hero in medicine and life. Thank you for being so generous in sharing him with all of us! Robin Burke Britt, RN, Ed.D., FAAN, Professor Emeritus, Texas Woman's University
Nancy Hermann
November 29, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dene Hofheinz Anton
November 28, 2016
Eternally One of a Kind.
Great Heart.Great Mind.
You are already missed.....but...
We are grateful for The
Legacy you have left behind!
Forever....
Dene Hofheinz
November 28, 2016
Thank you, Dr. Cooley for all you have done for lives on the planet. I hope you and Daddy meet up soon. Judge Hofheinz admired you so much..as did we all. Y'all go back a lonnnng way. Rest easy. Job
Well done. We were blessed to know you!
November 28, 2016
My family was saddened to hear about the passing of Dr.Cooley. We we want to extend our condolences to the Cooley family. We are so grateful that God and Dr. Cooley allowed us to have our father for several more years after two heart surgeries. Dr. Cooley was a kind and wonderful man. Rest in peace.
The Israel Vargas Family
Pharr, Texas
Beverly Griffin
November 28, 2016
Dr Cooley, may you rest in peace. Your hands were blessed by God and you helped heal so many. You are a Legend and I will always remember you.
Beverly Griffin
November 28, 2016
Dr Cooley, may you rest in peace knowing that your work on earth that God had for you to do is complete. Your hands were truly blessed and a gift from God that you used to help so many. I will always remember you as the Legend that you were. I pray that your family is comforted in knowing that you are now with God.
Lisa Jackson-Sumuel
November 28, 2016
Dr. Denton Cooley you made life better for others. You were gifted with dedicating your life and be responsible for millions of hearts in your hands....God Bless You...Lisa
Georgana Repal
November 28, 2016
I am a proud Houstonian. My father was raised in the Heights and was the same age as Dr Cooley. They played basketball. I once told Dr. Cooley that since a child I always heard my father describe him as the "best basketball player he ever saw". Dr. Cooley enjoyed that description and told me to "spread it around". "I want everyone to know I am successful at other things "
Dr Cooley was successful at everything!
May God Bless you and your family. We were so lucky to have you here in Houston-
Native Son
Melinda Abell
November 27, 2016
Our heartfelt love to all of the Cooley girls. We have thought of each of you with the loss of your dear parents. Their story is beautiful, and what a tremendous legacy your father has left for Houston. Please know you have our deepest sympathies and special prayers. Melinda and Joe Abell
Clara Irby
November 27, 2016
Deepest condolences to the Cooley family.
Dr. Cooley, you were such a dear, respected, and loved friend to so many.
While working as an ICU RN in several Houston hospitals, I made several "in the middle of the night" phone calls to you.
You'd given me your personal telephone number so I could reach you if I needed
your assistance while caring for your patient or an acquaintance or friend.
I used that private line several times,
and you were always kind, patient, helpful, encouraging, and always
available.
You loved people. Your giving the night
nurse your number, and encouragement to
"not hesitate to phone me - no matter the
hour", showed hospital staff your devotion to your patients.
I witnessed the loyal and thoughtful friendship you extended to the Hamill's.
You and Louise were Mrs. Hamill's "rock"
after she was widowed. She loved you both so much.
You and Louise defined the words - support, constancy, love, and
and caring for those dear people.
I mourn the passing of two grand people.
With gratitude,
Clara Irby, R.N.
Texas City, TX
Thomas Hopson
November 26, 2016
Thank you for the memories and inspiration. Your support was monumental in my career.
RIP
Lexie Lister
November 26, 2016
I was born with an Atrial Septal
defect which was discovered at age 43yo which he repaired in 1969. I am now 90yo and have lived a long healthy life. I owe my life to him and will ever be grateful.
William F. (Bill) Heavin
November 26, 2016
Dr. Cooley is the epitome of what we all should strive to be a servant to human kind. It was my privilege to have known him for years, 12 years of which were spent as his real estate manager.
The world is a better place because of Dr. Cooley. My hopes and prayers go out to the family.
Lisa Byrd-Miller
November 25, 2016
The world has definitely lost an angel. Dr. Cooley saved my life in 1977 and I will be forever grateful to him. I was five years old then, and because of this amazingly gifted man I have been able to live an active and full life. Thank you Dr. Cooley, you will be truly missed. My heart goes out to the family.
Carlos Cardenas-Davila
November 24, 2016
When I was THI and St Lukes Episcopal Hospital, adult cardiology fellow (1978-80), doctor Cooley was activy surgeon, the number one CV surgeon of the world. My sincerest condolences. Carlos G. Cardenas-Davila MD FACC. Merida- Venezuela
Sara Lucas
November 23, 2016
Sad day for Houston medical community.
AL
November 23, 2016
May the bereaved family be comforted by reflecting on the many wonderful memories that you can cherish forever.
Maria Augusta
November 23, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. I pray that you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phillipians 4:6,7).
Carmen Villarreal
November 23, 2016
Dr. Cooley, this light and message comes from my family specially my grandmother Amelia Cooley Montoya de Galarza from Durango Mexico. Her father, my great- grandfather Federico or Arturo Cooley, a dentist, had family in Mexico, being originally from up North in the USA.
He mentioned he had a sister called Eva and one Emma.
In Durango, Mexico married and had many children my grandmother Amelia, boys named Arturo, Federico, Antonio and other daughters named after his sisters Emma and Eva and Socorro.
My grangmother always thougt that you, a well known cardiologist, seeing you on pictures, look a lot like her long lost brother Arturo, who one day very young crossed the border to come to the US and never returned. I grew up hearing how it was possible that you were a relative and when they looked at your picture, thougth you looked like one of the uncles, Federico.
I could not help crying when I heard the news of your departure, to me you are my great-grand-uncle that was a Blessing to humankind. I hope now finally my grandmother has meet you in heaven along with her lost brother Arturo and all of the Cooley's klan.
My condolences to all your family and the people that morn you because you saved their life. Well done uncle Denton Cooley. Apreciate this oportunity to say good bye.
A White
November 22, 2016
What a pioneer in the field of health and medicine indeed! His contributions will never be forgotten. Ecc. 7:1 says a good name is better than fine oil. Dr. Cooley has definitely built a good name. I extend my sincere condolences to the family.
AlwA Lewis
November 22, 2016
God bless all the beautiful Cooley sisters
Horace David Murdock M.D
November 22, 2016
Dr.Cooley was to the world a special light, his contributions to humanity are enormous and many people walk this life because of him, I was in awe of him as a surgeon as I am a cardiovascular surgeon myself, I met him many times socially and his charm and humility were so refreshing . A true gentleman, a world class surgeon.
Nereyda Moya
November 22, 2016
Agradezco a Dios por el instrumento que uso para bendecir nuestras vidas *Dr.Denton Cooley*, permintiendole a mi esposo* Jesús Moya* permanecer a nuestro lado; después que su salud se vio gravemente afectada por problemas en su ❤ defectos congénitos. Su condición era compleja tanto que no había un cirujano que hubiese practicado ese tipo de cirugía que el necesitaba se habia buscado quien pudiera realizar esa cirugía en los hospitales mas avanzados, en Galveston, en Dallas. En el Texas Children Hospital estuvieron en platicas porque era una condición congénita que ya se había practicado en bebes, pero decían que era algo totalmente diferente, porque mi esposo ya era un adulto, la Cardiologa que lo atendía hablo conmigo y me dijo, ya busque en los hospitales donde están los mejores cirujanos cardiólogos y no hay quien haga esta cirugía, no hay nada mas que yo pueda hacer, entonces dijo, lo que yo estoy haciendo es documentar bien su condición por si encontráramos quien, este todo listo, me habían hablado de un cardiólogo y buscando encontré a Dr Cooley, quiero decirles que después de ver sus credenciales pensé, el podría hacerlo! y aunque prácticamente ya estaba retirado me comunique con el y a Dios gracias accedió a vernos, después de revisar su caso le dijo a mi esposo, cuando quieres que te opere Jesus Moya Sr.? te parece el jueves, era un martes recuerdo que mi esposo me dijo, pensara que me va a sacar sangre! Era una cirugía carisima, no había dinero suficiente, no había aseguranza medica y no había cirujano. Mi esposo fue operado por uno de los mejores cirujanos en uno de los mejores hospitales... Ese es el Cristo que yo predico, misericordioso y clemente, proveedor que puso a la persona correcta en nuestro camino, y honor a quien honor merece excelente cirujano Denton Cooley Md. Exelente ser humano, cuando escucho que no teniamos los medios económicos para cubrir esa cirugia, no dudó un solo segundo en ofrecer sus servicios como cirujano y en adición hizo arreglos en el hospital para que todo se llevara a cabo sin costo alguno. descanse en paz Dr. Denton Cooley. Bendigo a su familia en su honor. Por siempre agradecida. Nereyda Moya y familia.
Barbara Henson
November 22, 2016
To Susan and Family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know
my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ramanan Umakanthan, MD
November 22, 2016
Dear Dr. Cooley,
You & your Son-in- Law were great friends, inspirations and mentors to my Uncle (Dr. Tom Mahendra) & myself. You & my Uncle worked together in the 1970's. One of my other great cardiac surgery mentors at Harvard Med (Dr. Lawrence H. Cohn, who passed away sometime back) spoke quite highly of you. I was so happy when I heard years back that you & Dr. DeBakey had reconciled. You will be sincerely missed & sincerely condolences from all of us to your entire family. You are now in God's Hands. God Bless You & Family.
This is my nephew, Dylan, with his son, Gaven. Gaven is a CHD baby. The surgical procedures you created helped save Gaven's life.
Sue McCaskill
November 22, 2016
2016 & 1962
Yvette Moncada- Soria
November 22, 2016
I just found out my Dr. Cooley died. I started to cry immediately. Dr Cooley saved my life on Dec. 12, 1962, four days before I turned 2. We are originally from Laredo.My mom Elma and I always celebrate that anniversary. I never got a chance to meet him when I went to Houston in 1986 for a check up after writing him a letter . He was in surgery. I regret not waiting for him. We sent him a Christmas Card two years ago. I would love to attend his service. It is an honor to be one of the many lives he saved.
Craig Massey
November 22, 2016
Our condolences to the Cooley family.
Denton was a rare combination of brilliant, athletic and compassionate. He treated all people with great dignity and respect. His legacy of wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will continue bringing joy and care to people worldwide. God bless this true Texas hero.
Joanne Oliver
November 21, 2016
My heart goes out to his family. When Dr. Cooley came to St. Lukes Hospital, I was his 1st cardiovascular head nurse from 1962 to 1966. I watched him perform miracles on a daily basis. He was always compassionate toward his patients & did what he felt was best for all. It was tense & exciting when we first used the cardiopulmonary pump. He treated his residents with respect but always demanded perfection. His nurses made sure we streamlined the operation of his surgical team including coordination of the many visitors from across the world. I consider Dr. Cooley to be one of the greatest surgeons of all times. He was a "Class Act". I feel privileged to have been a small part of his life. Special prayers to his family.
With much love,
Joanne Oliver, BSN, RN, CNOR
Pat Miller
November 21, 2016
For all the blue babies you helped, I thank you. Truely, a wonderful doctor and a very fine giving person.
Karen Ruffner
November 21, 2016
Condolences to his family.All of the outstanding advancements he made in heart medicine, he was just the best! I was a student Nurse for RN program at University of Texas Nursing school in Houston doing a summer course in cardiac nursing. We were in a recovery room and Dr Denton Cooley came in to check on his patients there. I will never forget the kindness he showed to the patients. Being a student RN we were nervous. This was 1978 in the summer. He was respectful of us and kind too . Thank you Dr Cooley for being the greatest.
Alvin Hartmann, BS, CCP, LP
November 21, 2016
It was a true honor to train under such a gentleman, Heart Surgeon, as Dr. Cooley. I trained as a Perfusionist at Texas Heart Institute in 1988-1989.
I send prayers for comfort to Dr. Cooley's family at this time.
We lost a truly great man and pioneer of Cardiovascular surgery.
Susan Sadler
November 21, 2016
I will never forget Dr. Cooley's amazing surgical skills. His hands were 'poetry in motion'. I was proud to be one of his O.R. nurses and have carried memories of all that I learned from him during my time at Texas Heart Institute .
Susan (Swartz) Sadler
Denver, CO
Sheila Bernhard
November 21, 2016
My sincere condolences to Dr. Cooley's family and close associates. He was a giant in the field of medicine and a blessing to so many.
I had the pleasure of working with him at THI and will always remember his amazing surgical skills, grace and demeanor in the OR. A true leader!
It was the high point of my nursing career.
Thank you Dr. Cooley, for all you have done for medicine and may God reward you for a life well lived!
Liz D.
November 21, 2016
One of the the great things that should not be forgotten about Dr. Cooley is that he treated the person, not just the heart. He respected the beliefs of his patients who were Jehovah's Witnesses and operated without blood for them. When many surgeons refused to do that, Dr. Cooley welcomed them to come to Texas Heart Institute where he performed their surgeries. My Mom was one of them and I will be eternally grateful for him.
Macye Tapp
November 21, 2016
What an exceptional, brilliant man. Thank you to the family for supporting such a wonderful man who sacrificed so much to help others. God bless every one of you!
Brad & Becky Barlish
November 21, 2016
Sending our love and prayers to the family of Dr. Denton Cooley. God bless you and comfort you during this time. Dr. Cooley did Brad's operation in 1972, saving his life and giving him the chance to live the life he has now. We will always be grateful to Dr. Cooley.
November 21, 2016
Our condolences to the family for your loss. May God give you strength and comfort at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so thankful that he used his God given talent to help people and save countless lives. He will be missed by so many.
November 21, 2016
thank you for all you have done in medicine. god bless you and your family. kenneth mayfield, gulfport, ms.
Ray Hause
November 21, 2016
I was at the DeBakey VA Center in Houston when I was diagnosed with blockage in all four arteries. The two surgeons who diagnosed this gave me two options, by-pass or death. Obviously what I would choose considering it was a 50% success. Well youngest son met the surgeons and he knew Dr. Cooley from the Houston Country Club where my son was an assistant pro. He mention it to Dr. Cooley the names of the surgeons names, Dr. Cooley told him that we had no worries, these surgeons were taught by him. Ray Hause---Rosenberg, Texas
Gwen Sherwood
November 20, 2016
I send my love and prayers to the family of Louise and Denton Cooley, lovely accomplished women. I had the pleasure of traveling in China with Susan and Louise, what fun! it is comforting to know that husband and wife are reunited, only a month apart. Thank you to both for all the ways you blessed this world.
Barry Bowers
November 20, 2016
My condolences to the Family. As a heart patient of Denton and team at C.S. Mott hospital 1976 1977.I extend my forever gratefulness and serve on this journey as a living example of Denton's pioneering legacy.
William Strong
November 20, 2016
I owe my life to this man, quite literally. And so do my three children. I am so grateful for all the marvelous years he allowed me to live beyond the 9 I would have had without him. I met him again 50 years after he saved my life and he was so kind and warm and charming. He gave me 30 minutes of his valuable time just to chat and talk about how rewarding it was to meet, as adults, the children he had operated on years before, and to see them living healthy and vibrant lives. The man was a Saint. God bless you, Dr. Cooley. W.F. Strong
Marsha Gonzalez
November 20, 2016
So many people were able to live better and longer lives because of this Doctor's knowledge with the Grace of God to guide him. God Bless!
Rodney newman
November 20, 2016
I want to send my condolences to The Family of Denton Cooley. My name is Rodney Newman .When I was ten years old Dr Cooley an Dr Grady Hallman saved my life ,at Texas Children's Hospital, by repairing my aorta valve. The year of my surgery was August 13, 1964, my parents wedding Anniversary.With out both these Great Doctors I would not be here today. Thank You an my Family Thanks You. Rodney Newman.
Hope Elms
November 20, 2016
Thank you with all my heart for being there for me as a baby with CHD. You repaired my heart twice and then came to see me recently in ICU following my third surgery. You have been used to do incredible good in your lifetime. Rest In Peace Dr Cooley
With Love
Hope Garrett Elms
Betsy Parish
November 20, 2016
To the Cooley Family:
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Words cannot express my sincerest condolences adequately. That your parents are together again, however, should bring some joy to overshadow your sorrow.
atilla ertan
November 20, 2016
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Dr. Cooley's family and friends. He had a great impact so many years in the US medicine and beyond. He will be missed by so many.
Atilla Ertan, MD
Gastroenterologist
Fabienne Gates Findlay
November 20, 2016
I am deeply saddened for the family's loss, but rejoice in the gift he was given by God to save so many lives. What a blessing. I met Dr. Cooley only briefly when 5 junior high cheerleaders ,which included Mary, came to his home to practice our cheers. I remember he was in his study or library with walls covered with surgical pictures. He quietly acknowledged us. I have never forgotten that moment. God bless you.
Sherri Tefft
November 20, 2016
My mother had her heart operation by Dr. Cooley in 1967 for $1500. Dr. Cooley was a great doctor who had a big impact on so many lives. We can all thank The Lord for his wonderful contributions to medicine. We need more dedicated and intelligent doctors like him for today's world. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends. Our family has great appreciation for all his work.
Therese Ranzau Garner
November 20, 2016
My Sincere condolences to all of the family. Denton will be greatly missed. It was a blessing to have been a friend.
Therese Ranzau Garner
Sandra Ashford
November 20, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers coming your way.
MARY YBARRA-SOROLA
November 20, 2016
As a proud, native Houstonian, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Dr. Denton Cooley's loved ones. I had the honor of attending funeral mass service for Dr. Debakey, another of Houston's finest in the medical center. Thank God for the many years He gave Dr. D. Cooley.
November 20, 2016
Sincerest condolences to your family during this time of grief. Please find comfort in the verses at Jeremiah 29: 11-13
patricia boyker
November 20, 2016
For many yes my step dad Norman Boyker whom owned and operated his business known as Kwik Kopy Printing in the medical center just right off Kirby and West Holcome Blvd did Dr. Cooleys printing. Back in the 90S i would deliver his printing Mr Denton was a very nice and generous man I loved talkin with him and askin questions bout the heart. Anyway my sincere condolences go out to his beautiful wife who i met yrs back and his children and the rest of the family. So very sorry that your husband, father had to leave earth but always remember he will be an angel and will be with the family til eternity. RIP DR DENTON COOLEY YOU WERE A LEGEND and a very smart man. Im sure the other heart doctor will do the same as what u did for others
O
With gratitude and love, Cindy Cox
November 20, 2016
Dr. Cooley was my grandfathers Dr. We will always remember his kindness and excellent care. Back then the fad was ceramics, so I painted him a Dr. Cooley Monkey. He graciously accepted my gift. Thanks to God for this wonderful and brilliant man. Condolences to his family and friends.
Blondie Walker
November 20, 2016
God Bless This Family.
Gary Baker
November 19, 2016
Dr. Denton Cooley,
Thank you for giving our Dad 20+ years of additional life that we cherished, as you saved his life twice. You were such a gentleman to our family. Your contributions to humanity will continue forever. God Bless you for giving this world your talent, sincerely,Gary Baker
re: Stu Baker, United States Marshal, Southern Disrtict of Texas
Keri Oujesky
November 19, 2016
Our prayers are with Dr. Cooley's family. Imagine how amazing it must be in heaven while he's seeing all the lives he impacted while on earth. He found his passion, gifts and purpose and lived them out well. My family has certainly benefited from his work, both children had successful open heart surgeries by those who learned from Dr. Cooley. We are forever indebted and will stay in prayer for you all. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Angela Metas
November 19, 2016
I am deeply saddened in hearing about the loss of Dr.Cooley. On March 26'1966 when I was 4 years old I had my aorta valve replaced by him. I still have that same valve in today, its over 50 years ago. I celebrated my 30 wedding anniversary, watched my son graduate college, and turned 55 last August. I owe that all to him. May you rest in peace and know you are In our hearts and prayers.
Florence J. Goettle-Garza
November 19, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Denton Cooley on his passing at Nov. 18th. Dr. Cooley gave me a second chance at life as a ten-year old patient under his expert repair of a hole in my heart in 1961. This kindly and intelligent man's hands held my heart. I am here today due to his expertise and our faith in the Lord's miracles. He was my hero. May he rest in peace and may you be comforted by his numerous great works.
November 19, 2016
What a long and full life! So many cannot say the same. May he forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.
Jacklyn Ann Parish
November 19, 2016
Dr. Cooley performed heart surgery on my son when he was 5 years old. He is now a healthy 63 year old man. That surgery was a miracle for us, his parents. God, please take of this wonderful man.J
susan franzheim
November 19, 2016
...Denton and Louise were guest at many of our gatherings - most were for The Franzheim synergy Trust grantees.
...Conversations with Denton added mightily to my learning how the world worked.
...His was a TEXAS-SIZE example of a life worth living not to mention copious contributions to the world.
November 19, 2016
What an outstanding servant to all people. We have so many fond memories of Denton & Louise Cooley as well as his parents, Mary & Ralph Cooley. They all served humanity through the great field of medicine and denistry. We are thankful and grateful. He will be missed my countless people. Sherry & John Freeman in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Skip and Teresa White
November 19, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to all the family, friends, and peers on the loss of a truly great man. His commitment to his fellow man, his courage to pursue the paths he chose, his passion for saving the lives of countless people, not only added many years of life for the patient, but blessed their loved ones as well. The global impact of his work and compassion leaves behind grateful people all over the world. We have a friend who was one of the "blue babies" and is a healthy adult in her 60's enjoying life with her family. We are among the fortunate ones to have been greatly blessed by his gifts! We understand the sacrifice his family had to make to perform at this level, and will always be grateful to them for their willingness to share him with all of us. We thank God for his life and his love of people. We thank God for all those who have followed in his footsteps and serve their fellow man. You are all remembered in our thoughts and prayers!
Deborah Montgomery
November 19, 2016
I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Denton Cooley. I would think their times through the years together created sacrifice so that he could work with his life's gifts and art; contributing to the betterment of cardiac medicine and medical science. So my deep gratitude goes not only to Dr. Cooley, but to you all that had to perhaps 'stand back and wait.' I am alive now because of Dr. Cooley repairing two of my heart valves rather than be placed on the transplant list. I was 36, he was 71, the procedures were done January of 1993. Dr. Cooley's surgical repair of my heart has been admired by many cardiologists in these years, for good reason; I believed he would do his part, he believed I would do mine. Little time passes during the 23 years since surgery that I do not think of him, his sturdy kindness, his calm and adventuresome presence. He did for me what was so for countless others, patients and their familes, he gave us hope. What an extrodinary contribution. From me, one patient from Ohio, with all that I have, I send to those of you that may have had to 'stand back and wait' my gratitude appreciation, and love. To you Dr. Cooley, I know how many thank yous' I said to you and mailed to Texas, and I will continue to do so. A literal, a sentimental part of you will remain in my heart, always. Thank you! May God's Love and Light surround all of you, Deborah Montgomery
November 19, 2016
peace...
Beverly Megletti
November 19, 2016
Our Sincere Condolences for the loss of your loved one. Dr. Cooley performed a quadruple bypass on my husband in 1980. My husband was just 33 years old and had suffered an severe heart attack. 37 years later those grafts are still open... we were given many years of happiness due to this highly gifted skillful surgeon. Dr. Cooley is our hero. We have sung his praises over the years to everyone we know. We remember his as a kind, compassionate man..
May he rest in peace, he was truly a gift to the world of medicine.
RC
November 19, 2016
To The Family Of Denton Cooley
My deepest sympathy to the family during this time of such great sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God is close to those brokenhearted.
Marie
November 19, 2016
The world is indebted to Dr. Cooley's work and he will no doubt be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Please take comfort in God's promise that soon all of mankind will be in perfext health and our loved ones will be recovered from the power of their graves. (Isaiah 35:5,6;Hosea 13:14)
Mrs. Jackson
November 19, 2016
When I lived in Houston Dr. Cooley was one of he renowned doctors with which I got to have some communication. Even though he had a number of medical accomplishments his life could not be extended. It would have been nice if his vitality, and strength could have caused him to live forever. That is exactly what our Creator purposes to do at his appointed time. We can look forward to our loved ones living forever.
Christopher G
November 19, 2016
I'm saddened to hear of Dr.Cooleys passing. In 1969 I was born with a heart defect actually 5 heart defects to be honest. Dr Cooley was my Dr for the first two of my open heart surgery's. I had my first one at the age of 1and then my second one at the age of 3. I would say that he saved my life on more than one accounts. I am greatful and happy to say that his work has gotten me 40yrs of life before I would need another open heart surgery. I'm 47 and had my 3 surgery at 43 in 2012 and since then have had a pacemaker installed in 6/2016. Dr. Cooley you were amazing and I will never forget how you touched my life.. I know I'm not alone in saying what a remarkable Dr you were. To me you were an Angel. I'm forever grateful and to you. To your family my deepest condolences. God has called a Angel home ..
Linda Clifton
November 19, 2016
God Bless Your Family. What an amazing person who helped extend the lives of so many people including many in my family. His memory will go on forever in all those lives he saved and all the many talented physicians he trained.
November 19, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Pauline Lawhorn
November 19, 2016
REST IN PEACE YOU ARE WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Inelda Trevino
November 19, 2016
My condolences to Dr. Cooley's family on his passing. What an extra ordinary, wonderful doctor and man he was. I, as thousands, are deeply indebted to him in taking those first steps to help us live a longer life. His family must be so proud of him; he made a difference in millions of us having a longer, meaningful, productive life. He gained his place with our Lord, through his good works and deeds. May he rest in peace.
Mary Eschenfelder
November 18, 2016
I am so sad to hear of Dr. Cooley''s passing. He was a wonderful man and amazing doctor. My mother worked with Dr. Cooley at St. Luke's Hospital. She was Head Nurse of recovery room, and Head Nurse of his first cardiac wing. She a high regard and respect for his professionalism and patient care.
May he rest with the Angels and his beloved wife Louise.
Mary Ivy Farr
November 18, 2016
I enjoyed 20 years of working for Dr. Cooley. We had a special bond as native Houstonians and I am glad that he was blessed with such a long life as his mother had had. A marvelously kind person has passed on. He is now peacefully at rest. God Bless.
Cooley
November 18, 2016
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dearly loved one who dedicated his life for the benefit of countless individuals. May he truly rest in peace.
Connie Forbes
November 18, 2016
Thank you Dr. Cooley for taking such good care of my sweet uncle in 1968~ Keeping your family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Johnson
November 18, 2016
Rest in Peace Dr. Cooley. You have long been a hero of mine! The world is a better place because of your work. You made a difference!
Scott Chamberland
November 18, 2016
Rest in Peace
November 18, 2016
Condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
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