Edward "Ned" Cornell Cooley

Edward “Ned” Cornell Cooley, 92, went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2021.  He was born to the late Edward Cooley and Helen Cornell Cooley on January 25, 1929 in Hinsdale, Illinois.  The youngest of three children, Ned had two sisters, Patty and Nancy.

At the age of 21, he moved to Virginia, Minnesota to begin a lifelong career in sales. His longest tenure was with State Farm Insurance with whom he was employed for over 30 years.

In 1982, Ned and his wife Joan moved to Brownsville, Texas where he continued his career with State Farm. They relocated to Harlingen, Texas in 1993.

In 1996, Ned retired from State Farm.  However, this did not end his career in sales.  In 1998, he bought a franchise with MBE, which eventually became the UPS Store.  He later sold the store but continued to dabble in sales selling American flags and aloe vera to family and friends.

Ned had a true love of Northern Minnesota, the Boundary waters, and Lake Vermillion in particular. Prior to moving to Texas, he and Joan owned a long cabin complete with sauna on a 3-acre island on Lake Vermillion. During his time in Minnesota, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

After moving to Texas, Ned became an avid golfer.  He gave of his time to serve on the board of directors of Loaves and Fishes, Valley Aids, Harlingen Country Club, and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church.

He was truly a people person and loved the Lord, which served him well throughout his life.

Left to treasure Ned’s memory are his children, Pam (John) Neunsinger, Lori (Marc) Saldana, Terry Millon, and Steve (Kathy) Cunningham, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his son, Mark; his parents, Edward and Helen; and sister, Patty.

The family would like to thank the exceptional caregivers provided by ComForCare as well as Amedysis Hospice for their care and support.

Ned was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all.

Ned’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life service will take place Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Harlingen with Rev. Wade Hood officiating.

Memorials may be made to Loaves and Fishes (lfrgv.org) or H.E.L.P (Missionforhelp.com)

Arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586. 956.291.4350 www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com