Arthur Lee Cooley, age 77, of Hillsdale, formerly of Adrian, died early Friday morning, April 17, 2026, at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. Born January 19, 1949, in Holt, Arthur was the son of the late Clifford and Maxine (Reese) Cooley. Art grew up in Holt, where he graduated high school with the Class of 1967. He furthered his education by taking classes at Lansing Community College before enlisting as a member of the United States Army. He was stationed in Alaska during the Vietnam War before his honorable discharge.
Arthur married Adrian native Connie Jo Smith on December 22, 1973, at the former Freewill Methodist Church in Adrian. Together, they made their home in Adrian where they raised a family of three children and committed over 28 years to faithfully loving each other before her passing on May 18, 2002.
Certified as a commercial truck driver, Art was employed for the former Merillat Cabinetry headquartered in Adrian for over 30 years. He was currently a member of Countryside Bible Church near Jonesville. A nature lover, he loved to be outdoors bird watching, gardening, or taking great pride maintaining his property with his yardwork. Quiet and friendly, Art had an easy-going personality. Art was tough yet tenderhearted and generous, and he loved his family deeply.
Surviving are his three children, Shelby Cooley (fiancé Charlie Stailey) of Everett, PA, Joshua Cooley of Saline, Christopher Cooley of Hillsdale; a brother, Robert (Rosemary) Cooley of Perry, MI; his two sisters, Carolyn (Kerry) Darling of Potterville, MI and Shirley Hoover of Holt; sister-in-law, Kathy Cooley of Holt; seven grandchildren, Ashlynn Stoll, Erin Stoll, Jackson Apsitis, Zachary Apsitis, Laci Apsitis, Connor Cooley, and Mia Cooley; and 3 great-grandchildren, Grayson, Adalyn, and Emerie Apsitis.
In addition to his parents and wife, Arthur was preceded in his death by a brother, Jim Cooley; grandson in infancy, Tyler Cooley; and a brother-in-law, David Hoover.
A private graveside service for the family will be held at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in honor of Arthur can be given to the family to aid with final expenses. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.