Jay "Pops" Darrell Cooley, 67, of Eldorado, passed away, Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
Jay was born in Eldorado on Sept. 28, 1952 to the late Patricia (Ratley) Baldwin and J.D. Cooley. Jay was married to the late Criscinda (Carroll) Cooley for 40 years. He was a loving and proud father and grandfather. He loved baseball, dogs, music, flowers, and a good conversation. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he eagerly awaited the return of spring, rarely missing a game and preferred to listen by radio on his porch with a cold beer and his dog. He loved history, a good joke, being a Democrat, and was a loyal, accepting and good-hearted man.
Jay is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Bryan Questelle) Cooley of Harrisburg, Jayson Cooley of Washington D.C., and Caty (Tyson) Samples of West Frankfort; his grandchildren, Zaden Dennis, Ethan Culley, Jameson Molinarolo, and Christopher Samples; his father and stepmother, J.D. and Janice Cooley of Eldorado; his siblings, David Baldwin of Madisonville, Kentucky, Roger Thomas of Madisonville, Cathy (Steve) Willis of Eldorado, John Cooley of Eldorado, DeeDee (Tony) Mason of Eldorado, Tena Odell of Eldorado, Jennifer (Paul) Marler of Eldorado, and Jayna (Len) Bradley of Eldorado; his beloved dog, Rosie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was also preceded in death by his son, Mark Mitchell and special grandparents, Frank and Odell Ratley.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date for all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to thank Felicia Emery, the staff at Hospice of Southern Illinois and Eldorado Rehab and Healthcare for the wonderful care they provided their father.
Memorials can be made in his name to ASPCA.
