It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jarvis “Cooter” Wayne Cooley, of Singer, La., who left us on April 27, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on Sept. 12, 1957, in Lake Charles, La., Cooter dedicated over 40 years to the gas and petroluem industry, working with Texaco Drilling Company and retiring from Anadarko and OXY Pet as the Gulf of Mexico Operations Special Projects Coordinator. In his later years, he continued his passion for the industry as a consultant.

Outside of his career, Cooter was known for his love of the land. He was an enthusiastic leisure farmer who took great joy in working his tractor and tending to his land. Family gatherings were made special by his skills as the official outdoor cooker, and he cherished every moment spent around the grill with loved ones. An aficionado of Westerns and cowboy movies, he also enjoyed sharing laughs with his grandkids while watching Transformers and Scooby Doo.

Cooter was a prolific reader and a true lover of fishing, finding peace and joy in nature. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always putting his family first and creating memories that will last forever.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Kathy Cooley of Singer, La.; children, Michael Ryan Cooley and Erin of Singer, La.; H. Erin Cooley of Singer, La.; brother, Kevin Cooley and Debbie of Singer, La.; brother-in-law, David M. Powers of DeRidder, La.; aunt, Nelda Ford and Jerry of Many, La.; nephews, Austin G. Cooley, Cameron Blake Cooley; niece, Janice Willis and Kevin; great-niece, Opal Willis, and his cherished grandchildren, Brett Cooley, Penelope Cooley, Caleb Cooley and a host of other family and friends.

Cooter was preceded in death by his son, Scott G. Cooley; parents, J. LaRue and Opal Cooley; brother, James W. “Jimmy” Cooley; sister-in-law, Deanna Cooley; nephew, Joshua Andrew Cooley, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Sammy R. Powers. 

A public viewing will be held at Myers Colonial Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., where friends and family can gather to remember and celebrate Cooter’s life. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 10 a.m., also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home, followed by burial at Newlin Cemetery in Singer, La. Brother Kennis Smith and Brother Garrett Fuselier will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Monte Lee Cooley, Pete Mitchell, Kyle Mitchell, Jody Mitchell, Austin Cooley, Blake Cooley, and Larry Burnett. 

Cooter will be missed dearly, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.