Herbert Merton Cooley

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Mert
• Occupation: Crofton, Knox Co, Nebraska; newspaperman

Notes:

From Yankton Press and Dakotan, 4 Nov 1914
TRAGEDY AT MISSOURI RIVER
Two Men from Crofton lose lives at river early this morning
THE CAR PLUNGED INTO STREAM
TWO IN CAR ESCAPE AND TELL THRILLING STORY OF ACCIDENT O.W. Cass, a druggist of Crotfton Neb, and H.M. Cooley, editor of the Crofton Journal were drowned in the Missouri River at 2 o'clock this morning when Mr. Cass' auto, a Ford, plunged over the side of the pontoon bridge into 12 to 14 feet of water. O.D. Salley, barber, and L.S. Ross, jeweler, also of Crofton, were members of the party but although both experienced the terrible plunge into the river and hit the sandbar at the bottom, both managed to rise clear of the car and get to shore but hardly able to relate how; Salley especially, who was nearly drowned, is in a state of collapse over the loss of his intimate friend, Mr. Cooley.
[The bodies of Cass and Cooley were never found]

(Medical):Car plunged from the Yankton Pontoon Bridge into the Missouri River, body never recovered.

Occupation:
until his death in 1914

Herbert married Jane Elizabeth Holliday on 26 Apr 1905 in Holliday Farm, Knox Co, Nebraska. Jane (daughter of Hugh Sutton Holliday and Jane Dufton) was born on 20 Mar 1884 in Castle Sowerby, Cumberland, England; died on 1 Jan 1908 in Crofton, Knox Co, Nebraska; was buried about Jan 1908 in Pleasant View Cemetery, Pierce Co, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Herbert married Edith Jones on 29 Jun 1910 in Crofton, Knox Co, Nebraska. Edith (daughter of Richard Thomas Jones, 1 and Josephine Hurley) was born on 15 Aug 1879 in Iowa; died after Aug 1911 in Possibly Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ronald Delos Cooley was born in Crofton, Knox County, Nebraska 28 Jan 1906, son of Herbert Merton (Mert) Cooley and Elizabeth Holliday. Late the next year a second child, Merton Beth Cooley, was born (7 Dec 1907) shortly after which Elizabeth died of complications. Ronald went to live with his grandparents Robert Reed Cooley and Beth was taken in and raised by his uncle Robert Berton Cooley and his wife, Carrie Louella Miller. Ronald attended grade school in Crofton, Nebr, and high schools in Flagler, Colo and Otis, Colo. While in Crofton he helped his father, Mert, in his newspaper business then continued to help at his uncle Bert's newspaper, the Otis Independent, in Otis, Colo in 1911. He learned to operate the Linotype at the Independent and with his early immersion in newspapering, Ronald decided to continue in the business. He first attended the University of Denver then the University of Colorado in Boulder Colo where he attained a bachelor's degree in journalism. While at the University, Ronald was a member of Kappa Sigma social fraternity and of Sigma Delta Chi journalistic fraternity where he served as president in his senior year. After graduation he took a newspaper job with Smith-Brooks Printing Company in Denver. In succeeding years he also worked at the Record Stockman, the Denver Post, and one summer, at the Steamboat Springs Pilot. Eventually he returned to Akron, Colo., to work at his Uncle Bert's newspaper, the Akron News-Reporter. In Denver he was married to his high school sweetheart, Irene Skinner, on July 20, 1935. They had two children, Luanne b. 22 May 1940, and a son, James Ronald b. 16 Dec 1943. Luanne was married to Larry Winkelman of Dodge City, Kan., and James married Maria Morrison of Holdrege, Nebr. On February 15, 1937, Ronald and his cousin Dale moved to Limon, Colo., to operate the Eastern Colorado Leader as a partnership set up by Bert. About two years later the paper was combined with the Genoa Sentinal and renamed the Limon Leader. The partnership continued until June 1, 1972, when the newspaper was sold to Norman R. Sunderland and Associates. "During the Eisenhower administration, Ron [was offered] the job of Postmaster at Limon. Before accepting the position Ron lost a lot of sleep while pondering the multitude of details and irritations that would be a part of a postmaster's daily life. 'I got as far as the swearing-in part of it, then decided not to take it', Ron recalled". Ronald served as Mayor of Limon for two terms and as a city councilman for several terms. In 1955, Ronald and Dale, were honored as "Editors of the Year" by the University of Colorado Department of journalism. He was a member of the Colorado Press Association while active in the newspaper business and served on the board of directors, as well as in many different committees. He was a member of the Limon Lions Club of which he was a charter member, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Limon, and an honorary member of the Limon High School "L" Club. Ronald Delos Cooley died January 11, 1980 ae 73. He is buried at Pershing Memorial Cemetery (Limon Cemetery), Limon, Lincoln County, Colorado. Note that Ronald Delos died just 37 days after the death of his cousin Clifford Coyne Cooley (both raised as brothers) who had died on 5 Dec 1979 in Akron Colorado. One's death close to the death of a sibling or close relative is called the bereavement effect. This effect came into play in this family again in 1994 when cousins-raised-as-brothers Robert Miller Cooley and Merton Beth Cooley died just one day apart, Beth 3 Nov 1992, Bob 4 Nov 1992.

(Research):Delos - As a given name for boys it is of Greek derivation, and the name Delos means "from Delos" where Delos is a tiny Greek island that was sacred to the ancient Greeks who believed that Apollo and Artemis had been born there. Its usage peaked modestly in 1904 with 0.007% of baby boys being named Delos. - http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Delos

Ronald married Irene Elva Skinner on 19 Jul 1935 in Denver, Denver Co, Colorado. Irene (daughter of Leonard E Skinner and Ethel Campbell Powell) was born on 29 Jul 1907 in Anabel, Macon Co, Missouri; died on 6 Dec 1990 in Hugo, Lincoln Co, Colorado; was buried on 10 Dec 1990 in Pershing Memorial Cemetery, Limon, Lincoln Co, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Merton Beth Cooley was born to Herbert Merton (Mert) and Elizabeth Holliday Cooley on Dec 7, 1907, in Crofton, Neb. His mother died in 1908 from complications of childbirth. His father was editor and publisher of the Crofton Journal so Beth and his elder brother, Ronald literally grew up in the newspaper business. On 14 Nov 1914, a car in which Herbert Merton was a passenger plunged off the Yankton pontoon bridge over the Missouri River drowning him and another passenger in the car. His body was never recovered. Robert Berton Cooley (a twin brother of Herbert Merton) and his wife Carrie Louella Miller had homesteaded to a farm near Flagler Colorado in 1910 and in 1912 Bert had started the Otis Independent in Otis, Colo., 59 miles north of Flagler. Upon learning of his brother's death, Bert sold the Independent and he and his wife and two sons moved back to Crofton to take over the newspaper. They immediately took in and raised Beth and his elder brother Ronald as members of the family. Beth was still just a small boy at this time but he was already working in the family business. "I could read upside down when I was about four or five, and I was hand-setting type before I went to school. To get the paper out, we were hand-setting type day and night. Us kids never knew anything else." In 1916, because of a worsening allergy condition, Bert sold the Crofton Journal and the family returned to Colorado to resume operation of the Otis Independent, this time with two more "sons" in tow. Beth attended school in Otis, graduating from Otis High School in 1927. He also proved to be a fine football player. In his younger years, Beth played trumpet in a local dance band called "The Night Hawks" and became an excellent performer. After graduation, Beth attended the University of Colorado for a short time, later moving back to Otis to help Bert with the newspaper. Beth married Viola Myfanwy Kyffin on May 25, 1929, in Otis and they had one son, Herbert Merton. His Uncle Bert continued to operate the Independent until the fall of 1928 when, in a trade, he swapped the Otis Independent for ownership in the Monte Vista Tribune, Monte Vista, Colorado. Within a few months, Bert disposed of the Tribune and the family moved to Akron, Colo., where he bought the Akron Semi-Weekly News and the Akron Reporter combining the two papers on February 28, 1929 into the Akron News-Reporter. Its first edition was published on 7 Mar 1929. Beth was an adept Linotype operator and he had a natural bent for mechanics of all kinds. Through the years he became known as one of the best repairmen on all printing machinery and was sought after by other newspapers in northeastern Colorado for repair work. On the retirement of the original owners of the Akron News-Reporter, his Uncle Bert and Aunt Lou, Beth and his cousin, Coyne Cooley, became the sole owners of the Akron News-Reporter, which they continued to operate until 1979. All in all, Beth had worked in the weekly newspaper business almost 68 years: from a four-year-old kid folding newspapers at the Crofton Journal to the sale of the Akron News-Reporter in 1979. In keeping with his interest in mechanics, he had a life-long love affair with the automobile (his favorite, Buick). Beth was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the Akron Rotary Club. He was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Merton Beth Cooley died at Sterling Regional MedCenter on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1992 ae 84. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. from the First Presbyterian Church in Akron with Rev. Kyle Weir officiating. Interment followed in the Akron Cemetery with Yeamans & Gordon Memorial Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Merton married Viola Myfanwy Kyffin on 25 May 1929 in Golden, Jefferson Co, Colorado. Viola (daughter of Seth James Kyffin and Julia S. Oram) was born on 20 Jan 1908 in Denver, Denver Co, Colorado; died on 1 May 1995 in Brush (Sunset Manor), Ft Morgan Co, Colorado; was buried on 4 May 1995 in Akron Cemetery, Washington Co, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

E:\\Genealogy\\Family-Biographies\\DixieCooley.txt

(Medical):Related conditions: Pulmonary edema, pericarditis

Edith married Daniel Thomas Desmond on 4 Apr 1942 in Papillion, Sarpy Co, Nebraska. Daniel was born on 10 Aug 1907 in Sioux City, Woodbury Co, Iowa; died on 4 Aug 1975 in Chicago, Cook Co, Illinois; was buried on 7 Aug 1975 in Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Cook Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _TODO: Open

Notes:

Obituary Luanne Mildred Cooley Winkelman, age 81, of Limon, Colorado died in a pedestrian accident Sunday, December 19, 2021. She was born April 22, 1940 in Limon, Colorado, the daughter of Ronald Delos Cooley and Irene Elva Skinner. Her brother, James Ronald Cooley was born three years later. They grew up in Limon, Lincoln County, Colorado, both graduating from Limon High School. She was a part of the Limon Show Choir and played the oboe and twirled in the high school band. She also grew up helping with the newspaper, The Limon Leader, which her dad and uncle (Orville Dale Cooley) ran for many years. On August 23, 1958 she was married to Larry Gene Winkelman. They had three children: Cody Wayne (b. 1960), Joel Ronald (b. 1965), and Larissa Lu (b. 1972). Luanne loved helping on their farm south of Limon and referred to herself as the "gopher" when she cooked meals to take out to workers in the wheat field. She also delighted in gardening, canning, and cooking. Mom loved being part of the community, singing in the Vesper's Choir, helping at the Limon museum, helping at the Methodist Church and she was a member of the Red Hat Society*. She especially enjoyed being a grandma; her grandkids, children of Jim and Larissa Hubbard, are Makinna, age 22; Hauk, age 20; Tuck, age 15; Tate, age 13; and Taylynn, age 8. She was always following them around for their sports, which included watching football, volleyball, track, and baseball. She loved going to their music and band concerts, also. She is survived by her two sons, Cody Winkelman of Limon, Colorado and Joel Winkelman of Limon Colorado. Her daughter, Larissa Hubbard (Jim) and grandchildren, Makinna, Hauk, Tuck, Tate, and Taylynn of Limon, Colorado. Her brother, Jim Cooley of Oxford, Nebraska and his two sons, Chris Cooley (Jess) of Waverly. Nebraska and their four children. Robert (Elizabeth) of Kearney, Nebraska and their four children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Irene, and her sister-in-law, Maria Helen Morrison Cooley, wife of James Ronald. Services in care of Love Funeral Home Limon, Colorado. Interment at Pershing Memorial Cemetery, Limon, Colorado on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.
*The Red Hat Society (RHS) is an international social organization that was founded in 1998 in the United States for women age 50 and beyond, but now open to women of all ages. In the fall of 1997, Sue Ellen Cooper, an artist from Fullerton, California, bought a red hat and gave it to a friend as a birthday gift. She was inspired by the Jenny Joseph poem, "Warning", that was popularized by a Reader's Digest article written by Liz Carpenter in which a poem begins: "When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me...". Cooper repeated the gift to several other friends who eventually bought purple outfits and held a tea party on April 25, 1998, at which the Red Hat Society began. Cooper facilitated the growth of the organization and now serves as "Exalted Queen Mother" of the organization. She has written two books about the society: The Red Hat Society: Friendship and Fun After Fifty (2004) and The Red Hat Society's Laugh Lines: Stories of Inspiration and Hattitude (2005). With Chapters online and offline across the globe, membership in the Red Hat Society offers powerful interpersonal connections and emotional support systems for women from all walks of life.

(Research):Fatal accident occurs at Limon's Parade of Lights
By Will Bublitz
What was meant to be a joyous holiday event was turned into tragedy as a fatal vehicle-pedestrian accident took place in Limon as its annual Parade of Lights was about to begin last Saturday evening, Dec. 18. The accident took place at the downtown area's main intersection of Main Street and E Avenue about 6 p.m. According to an accident investigation by the Colorado State Patrol, a 2018 Ford Focus was headed eastbound on Main Street as it approached the intersection which has a stoplight. "The Ford slowed down for a red light as it approached E Avenue", Trooper Josh Lewis said. The two pedestrians were walking south across Main Street as the light changed to green. Before they had finished crossing the street they were both struck by the car. The pedestrians were Luanne Winkelman, 81, and her 56-year-old son, Joel both of Limon. Immediately following the accident, they were rushed by ambulance to Lincoln Community Hospital in Hugo. "Due to the seriousness of her injuries, the 81-year-old female was later flown by AirLife helicopter to Swedish Hospital in Denver," Trooper Lewis said. "In the early morning hours of December 19 she was declared deceased." Joel Winkelman suffered "moderate injuries" in the accident. He was later released from the hospital in Hugo. The driver of the Ford Focus was 40-year-old Michael Jantz of Limon. He was not injured in the accident. The Colorado State Patrol is in charge of this case. "This is still an open case and the investigation is continuing." Trooper Lewis said. "Alcohol is considered a possible factor. Charges may be pending". Saturday's accident occurred just as the annual Parade of Lights was about to begin. Floats and other vehicles were lined up on E Avenue in preparation to crossing Main Street into Limon's small downtown area where hundreds of spectators were gathered to watch the parade. The Limon Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Parade of Lights which celebrates the Christmas season. Following this tragic incident, the organizers of the parade immediately canceled the event for this year.
- Limon Leader, Dec 23, 2021, vol 110, issue 50

Driver arrested in fatal pedestrian-vehicle accident
By Will Bublitz

Ed: condensed from original story Michael C. Jantz, 40, of Limon was arrested last Thursday, Dec 23, for driving the vechile that struck down two pedestrians on the town's Main Street on Dec 18. As of Monday, Dec 27, Janz was still in custody at the Lincoln County Jail in Hugo. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) handled the investigation and brought the arrest charges. The four arrest charges are: (1) Vehicular homicide, DUI (Class 3 felony); (2) Careless driving resulting in death (Class 1 traffic offense); (3) Careless driving resulting in injury (Class 2 traffic offense); and (4) Leaving the scene/accident involving death (Class 3 felony).
- Limon Leader, Dec 30, 2021, vol 110, issue 51

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Family/Spouse: Maria Helen Morrison. Maria (daughter of Neil Frederick Morrison and Lenore E. High) was born on 15 Jun 1950 in Holdrege, Phelps Co, Nebraska; died on 8 May 2014 in Oxford, Furnas and Harlan Counties, Nebraska. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Herbert married Donna Lee Mountain in 1960. Donna was born on 16 Feb 1934 in Washington County, Colorado; died on 31 Jan 2016 in Longmont, Boulder Co, Colorado; was buried about Feb 2016 in Akron Cemetery, Washington Co, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Note: May birthdate from date on picture.

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]