Willard Cooley Jr

Willard D. Cooley, 93, of Mancelona, passed away on April 8, 2017 at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Long Term Care. Willard was born on January 23, 1924, in Jackson, MI, the son of Willard and Lyla (Walton) Cooley. Willard was a pilot for many years and enjoyed flying all over with his family. He especially enjoyed flying "Dawn Patrol" on Sunday mornings. He was an avid swimmer and long time swim coach. He coached at Albion College, Jackson High School and Jackson Parkside High School was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He was a President of the National Swimming Coaches Association, and represented high school athletes in the Olympics. He served in the U.S. Navy, and loved to "tinker" and be in the outdoors. On April 26, 1944, in Jackson, MI, he married Jane B. Haase who preceded him in death in 2016. Also preceding him in death were a daughter Suzi Cooley, a son Brian Cooley, 3 brothers, Richard, Harry and Robert Cooley as well as his parents. He is survived by 3 children, Christina (Phillip) Reed of Bellaire, Richard (Lois) Cooley of Denver, CO, Martha Clements of Anson, ME, 7 grandsons, Jason (Erika) Reed of Ludington, MI, Joel (Lisa) Reed of Madison, WI, Josh (Natalie) Reed of Northville, MI, Michael Clements of Seattle, WA, Jarred (Melanie) Clements of Cape Cod, MA, Justin (Sarah) Cooley of Chicago, IL, Jonathan Cooley of Chicago, IL, 5 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Sidney, Ethan, Graeme Reed, Owen Cooley and a sister Mary Miller of Grand Ledge, MI. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Pastor Eric Falker will officiate. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.