COOLEY, ROBERT L.

Robert L. Cooley, 82, of Portage, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the VNA Hospice Center.

He was born October 11, 1926 in Republic, Alabama the son of Jesse and Louanne (Barron) Cooley.

He served with the U.S. Marines during WW II then completed his 20 year military career with the U.S. Air Force.

He then worked in the Security Department of Midwest Steel in Portage for 20 years.

Bob was a member of American Legion Post #100 in Lake Station and was a lifetime member of the V.F.W.

On December 7, 1956 he married Margaret Sandkuhler who preceded him in death in 2005.

Survivors include their three children: Mike (Celeste) Cooley of Crown Point, Linda (Carl) George of Green Cove Springs, FL and Donald Cooley of Valparaiso; three sisters: Oseline (J.D.) King of Florida, Delores (Harold) Moore of Alabama and Leslie Shaginaw of Hobart; one brother, Gerald (Carol) Cooley of Florida; six grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Faye Keller.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso with Rev. Michael Porter officiating.

Burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation Friday from 3:00-7:00 PM.