Marcus Ralph Cooley 1921 ~ 2010

KAYSVILLE - Marcus Ralph Cooley slipped away peacefully in his recliner on Saturday, September 18, 2010, surrounded by loved ones. Marcus was born June 23, l921 to Marcus Robert and Marvel Griffin Cooley. He was born and raised in Newton, Utah, attended Utah State and graduated as a civil engineer. He married Elma Wadsworth prior to serving in the army in Italy during the Second World War.

He had seven children: Eileen Bryner (Arlin), Marcus Ralph II (Suzanne), Margaret Barnes, Carolyn Yewdall (Walt), John (Cathy), Reonia Jacobson (Don), and William (Deanna). And survived by five stepchildren: Beth Johnson Stepp (Keith), Mike Johnson (Ginger), Pamela Johnson, Scott Johnson (Diana), and David Johnson (Katy). He claimed 49 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He is survived by two brothers, Robert (Rozanne) and Noel (Molly) Cooley, and two sisters Marvel (David) Benton and Audrey (Murray) Fowler.

He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and among other projects laid out the Weber Water Program and supervised construction of Willard Dam. He was active in the LDS church and held many positions there. After the passing of his wife Elma he married Jane Spears in February 1977. They served a mission together in the Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh mission. He was a scholar of the scriptures and loved by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kaysville Tabernacle, 198 W. Center. Friends may visit family on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main and Friday from 9-10 a.m. at the Tabernacle. Interment, Newton, Utah Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Published Deseret News September 22, 2010