08/05/2001
Mass of Christian burial for Cleo James Cooney, 75, of Knoxville, who died on Sunday,
August 5, 2001, at Knoxville Area Community Hospital, was held on Wednesday, August
8, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Knoxville. Rev. Philip Ryan officiated at
the services.
Music was provided by Geoffrey Shultz, organist and Kim Foltz and
Katie Davis, vocalists. Interment was at Graceland Cemetery with military honors.
Casket bearers were Steve and Jackie Scott, Christopher, Andrew, and Tracy Sandmeier,
Amy, Lacy, and Bradley Link, and Sara and Stacey Cooney. Honorary casket bearers
were Megan and Aaron Cooney.
Cleo was born on September 23, 1925, in Marion County,
the son of William Patrick and Mary Katherine (Carroll) Cooney.
He was raised in
the Knoxville area and graduated with the class of 1942. After high school, Cleo
was inducted into the United States Navy during World War II. He served two and
a half years before he was honorably discharged and returned home.
He married Margaret
Forst on May 6, 1946. He worked at the V.A. Hospital for over 30 years before retiring
as an L.P.N. in 1980. He then painted houses for several years. He and Margaret
enjoyed traveling in their retirement and wintered in Arizona for many years.
Cleo
liked anything outdoors, particularly boating, camping and a game of golf. He cherished
his family, especially spending time with the grandkids. He was a member of St.
Anthony's Catholic Church, N.A.R.F.E., and was a life member of the V.F.W.
He was
preceded in death by his parents; a daughter; Jeannie; and his sister, Rita Isley.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; three daughters, Sandra Scott of Elizabethtown,
Ky., Kathie Sandmeier of Knoxville, and Molly Link of Des Moines; and a son, Gary
of Overland Park, Kan.; two brothers, Robert of Indianola and Richard of Pismo Beach,
Calif.; a sister, Ruth Schlotterback of Knoxville; 12 grandchildren and many other
family
members.</p>