Edward L. Cooney

Edward L. "Ed" Cooney, 77, of Arthur passed away, Friday March 29, 2019, in Ogallala Community Hospital.

A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, April 2, in the Arthur County High School gymnasium, with the Rev. Blake Wilkes officiating.

Ed was born June 9, 1941, at Brule, to Emery and Hazel (Jackson) Cooney. He graduated from Arthur County High School in 1959.

Ed went on to work as a truck driver, State of Nebraska worker, and then on to Arthur County High School, where he served as custodian for 47 years. Ed loved the job and the kids at school throughout the many years he worked there until he retired.

Ed lived, laughed and loved life. Joys of his life were family, the Arthur community, the Huskers and the Arthur Wolves.

He could be heard whistling or singing a tune and doing a jig or two to brighten someone's day-young and old alike. They called him "Steady Eddie" and said he had the patience of Job.

His work at Arthur finished, he put his shovel in the pickup and went home to his Heavenly Father.

Ed enjoyed several hobbies, including golf, yard work and 20 years in a bowling league. For many years, he played town team basketball with his son, Chad.

His lawn was beautiful and he loved decorating his yard for each holiday.

He also put together many jigsaw puzzles, the harder the better.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Karol, of 49 years. They were married on Dec. 29, 1959, at Arthur. Ed is lovingly remembered by his son, Chad and his wife, Laura Cooney, and granddaughter Savanah, of Arthur, his sister, Cathleen and husband, Pat Sibal, of Kimball; his brother, Tom and wife, Heidi McDonald, of Kimball; his mother Hazel McDonald, of Ogallala.

Other survivors include his in-laws, Doug and Verdena Knott, of North Platte, and Tim and Shelley Knott, of Arthur; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Cooney; his father, Emery Cooney; and his stepfather, Clyde McDonald.