Dennis Ernest Cooley, 83, of Gypsum, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 17, 2026, after a courageous year-and-a-half long battle with cancer. A lifelong farmer, rancher, and community leader, Dennis dedicated his life to serving his family, his neighbors, and the community he loved.
Dennis was born on July 6, 1943, in McPherson, Kansas, to Guy Addison and Maggie Lovina (Yoder) Cooley. He graduated from Gypsum High School in 1961.
On April 8, 1983, Dennis married his loving wife Jean Marie (Gagnon) Haines. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and service.
Dennis proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1964 to 1970. He later attended classes at Kansas Wesleyan University to study computers and business, knowledge he carried into several ventures throughout his career. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Martin and Ade before returning to full-time farming and ranching, where he also managed The Tinkler Trust. He owned D & J Data and worked alongside Jean in her beauty salon businesses and other ventures. Dennis later spent 22 years with the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, working his way up to Road Superintendent before retiring in 2021.
Throughout his life, Dennis was deeply committed to improving his community. He assisted in planning the Gypsum flood control project, helped establish Dickinson County Rural Water District No. 2 and served on its board, and played a role in the unification of the Gypsum schools into Southeast of Saline USD 306. He volunteered as a firefighter with the Gypsum Rural Fire District and served on its board, served on the Southeast of Saline School Board, and helped establish the Southeast of Saline Education Foundation, where he served on the board for many years.. He served on the K-State Research and Extension board, even being one of the first farmers in the Gypsum area to experiment with test plots of soy beans, among other crops. A devoted member of the Lions Club, he served as District Governor from 1999 to 2000 and later as Band Foundation President. He was also a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Outside of work and community service, Dennis enjoyed a variety of hobbies. In his younger years, he owned and worked on race cars, earning lots of trophies. He enjoyed golfing and bowling. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling but he was happiest puttering around the family farm. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, skills, and interests with others and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Dennis treasured his family. He was a proud supporter of his children, attending ball games, awards ceremonies, and activities at Southeast. Known simply as "Pops" to his grandchildren, he found great joy in supporting them, enjoying band and orchestra concerts and baseball and softball tournaments whenever he could. He took great pride in celebrating their accomplishments.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Jean Cooley of Gypsum; his son, Tim (Kristen) Haines of Buda, Texas; his daughter, Shelly Tubal of Salina, Kansas; his grandchildren, Connor Tubal of Gypsum, Lauren Tubal of Kansas City, Turner Haines and Keller Haines of Buda; his sister, Nadine (Darwin) Henry of Salina; and his brother, Keith Cooley of Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Addison and Maggie Lovina Cooley.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, Salina, KS 67401, followed by inurnment at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, at the intersection of Iron Avenue & Marymount Road in Salina.
Above all, Dennis valued faith, family, and community. He lived a life of hard work, integrity, and service, leaving a lasting impact on his family, his friends, and the community he cared for so deeply. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Gentiva Hospice, Salina, whose compassionate care and support meant so much to Dennis and his family, or to one of the many organizations Dennis faithfully served throughout his life, honoring his legacy of community service and generosity. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home PO Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.