Alan Dean Rooney, 70, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away May 14, 2026, at home with his wife, Gayla, by his side. Alan was born June 22, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Albert Lincoln and Gladys Francis (Reece) Rooney. He was the youngest of the Rooney children and lost his mother at the age of six. He was raised by his father and siblings until the passing of his father when Alan was 15 years old. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Alan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a Staff Sergeant. While serving in the Marines, Alan met the late Toshiko Sugimoto, with whom he had two children, Sean (Chrissy) Rooney and the late Lisa Marie Rooney.
Alan traveled extensively during his time in the Marine Corps, living throughout the United States and overseas in the Philippines, Korea, and Japan. In Mount Carmel, Alan found his greatest joys and pleasure in life. He married Gayla (Hocking) Rooney on February 19, 2000, and together they shared 26 years of marriage. Alan’s greatest pride and joy were his six grandchildren: Kendall, Wyatt, Quinn, Julep, Charlie, and Benn.
Alan loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on cars in his younger years. He was an avid firearms enthusiast who appreciated both the sport and the mechanics behind them. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of firearms while working behind the gun counter at Big R and as a firearms safety instructor. Known for his analytical mind and curiosity, Alan always wanted to understand how things worked. He also enjoyed football and was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Alan also enjoyed performing on the stage of the Brubeck Arts Center and singing with the Wabash County Singers.
In October 2015, Alan underwent a heart transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. True to the warrior he was, he battled through with strength and determination and was blessed with additional years to enjoy life with those he loved.
Alan is survived by his wife, Gayla Rooney; his son, Sean (Chrissy) Rooney; his stepsons, Kyle Peach (Jill Winter) and Ryan Peach; his six grandchildren; his brother, Robert Rooney; his father-in-law, Andy Hocking; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Marie Rooney; his mother, Gladys Rooney; his father, Albert Rooney; his brother, Albert Lincoln Rooney Jr.; his sisters, Patricia Friesner and Phyllis Phillips; his brother, Ronald Rooney; and his mother-in-law, Patsy Hocking.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. A private family burial with Full Military Honors will be held at Highland Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Al’s memory to the Rooney family to help offset final expenses. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Alan’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Rooney family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
