Norman Cooley

1940 - 2021

Norman Cooley
September 27, 1940 - November 20, 2021
Tulsa, Oklahoma - Norman Irl Cooley passed away in the evening on November 20, 2021, at the age of 81. Norman was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 27, 1940. Norman attended East/Southeast High School in Wichita, Kansas. He joined the US Navy and was active duty from July 1958 to August 1961. He attended Radioschool. Norman was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Sproston attaining the rank of E-3, Petty Officer 3rd Class. After serving his country, Norman attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. Norman went to graduate from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Law June of 1968. During that time, he married Lillian Marie Rossow. The two adopted Jennifer Cooley. Norman, after being an Assistant County Attorney, joined McDonald, Tinker, Skaer, Quinn & Herrington. In 1980, Norman became a self-employed attorney till his retirement. Norman married Judith Dixon, June 21, 1982, in Wichita.
Norman wore his navy baseball hat up till his final days. He loved Wichita and being a Democrat! He had enjoyed learning about Native American History and their art. Norman studied Civil War battles and walked the battle sites like a chess player. Norman had a shortwave radio receiving broadcast from around the planet. Alongside the radio he had a world map filled with stick pins of the various listening destinations. Norman loved golf and made trips to "the Open." When Judy passed, he joined the Peace Corps and went to Romania with a focus on helping small businesses. He enjoyed documenting family ancestry and genealogy. Norman met Sydney Rhodes while transitioning to his retirement years. In Norman's final years he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. RIP uncle, you were a good, honorable man.
Norman is survived by his sister, Mary Gardner; sister-in-law, Georgia Jillayne Cooley; his cousin, Sue Sisk; his nieces and nephews, Kathryn Vogt, Deborah (Tim) Nehs, K. Michael Cooley, Brian (Sophia) Cooley, Susan Gardner, Glen Gardner; his stepsons, Mark Burnett, Steve Burnett; his friend, Sydney Rhodes; and the many more family members and friends.
Norman is preceded in death by his parents, Dallas Wilson Cooley and Margaret Louise Cooley; his wife, Judith Dixon Cooley; his daughter, Jennifer Weeks; his brother, Kenneth Cooley; and his first wife, Lillian Marie Rossow.
The family is being served by Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas. At this location, on December 4, 2021, please join us to celebrate Norman's life with a visiting time at 11:00 am, followed by a reflection and remembrance at 12:00 pm, then burial at Waco Cemetery, 500 W. 95th St S, Haysville, KS. Memorials may be made to the National Peace Corp Association. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com