William Melvin “Will” Cooley, 82, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away peacefully Friday, November 20, 2020 at his residence. Will was born May 14, 1938 in Coffeyville, Kansas the son of Melvin John and Ruby (Cain) Cooley. On August 3, 1968 Will married Mary Peach at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Carmel.

Will enjoyed his Class of 1956 of McKinley High School in Coffeyville KS. He is a member of Gospel Kingdom Church in Mt. Carmel. He loved his church and enjoyed teaching the young men at the Church.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy as Petty Officer 1st Class Air Traffic Controller. He worked as a repairman for A T & T. He was a member of VFW, American Legion and Communications Workers of America.

Those left to share Will’s memory include his wife Mary; children, Coleen Cooley Nunley and husband Jason K. of Tulsa OK, Erin Heather Broedel and husband Patrick of Mt. Carmel, John Franklin Cooley and wife Amy of Owasso, OK; grandchildren, Cayla Critcheloe and husband Jeremy, Cameron Goff and husband Dustin, Cody, Collin and Caitlyn Broedel, William, Mackenzie, Emmitt, Nash Cooley; great grandchildren, Mary, Boaz, and Israel Critcheloe, Rylan and Dylan Goff.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother John Cooley.

Family and friends may visit the family at Gospel Kingdom Church Monday November 23, 2020 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The funeral service celebrating Will’s life will be held at the Gospel Kingdom Church on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Burial service will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery with Military Rites.

The family wants of send a special “Thank You” to Dr. Adrian Carter for the kind care he provided the family.

Social Distancing and wearing of face covering are recommended for visitation and service.

Memorials for Will can be made to Gospel Kingdom Church. Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cooley family.