Byron Lester Cooley

Byron Cooley, beloved husband of Roz, passed away on June 22, 2024 at the age of 77 years young. He was the devoted father of Christopher (Audrey) and Allison (Jared), proud grandfather of Charlie, Henry, James, Cameron, and Oliver, and cherished his very close relationship with his brother, William Cooley, Jr. Byron was born on April 24, 1947, to William and Francis Cooley. He grew up in Winnetka, Illinois surrounded by the love of his family, his dear brother, Bill, his late beloved sister, Dale Makelim, and treasured nieces and nephews who brightened his life. Byron graduated from Vanderbilt with a BS in Physics (’69), Northwestern with a MBA (’76), and University of Houston with a MS in Petroleum Engineering (‘82). Byron was proud that his son, Chris followed in his footsteps to Vanderbilt and Northwestern. Learning that his Vietnam draft number was #2, Byron enlisted as an Officer in the U.S Navy. He served on the USS Richard S. Edwards destroyer from 1970-1973, including a deployment to Vietnam and was promoted to Lieutenant. Continuing in the Navy Reserves for 20 years, he retired as a Commander. Byron’s oil and gas career started in well-logging with Schlumberger in the Louisiana swamps. While working in oil & gas lending at Continental Bank in Chicago, he met the love of his life, Roz, and they recently celebrated their 42nd anniversary. Byron moved to Houston in 1978, where he thrived in oil & gas lending with several institutions before retiring as Senior Vice President at Den Norske Bank in 2018. Being very involved with his children’s lives, Byron was active in Chris’ Boy Scout troop at Chapelwood and was an enthusiastic supporter of Allison’s tennis matches. Above all, he inspired them with his motto that “life is meant to be good”. The most recent joy of his life were his five incredible grandsons. Byron loved to entertain and always enjoyed a lively conversation over wine or a cocktail. Byron and Roz shared a love for travel, from road trips throughout the U.S. to traveling to Hawaii, Europe, and Africa. They had a bucket list of more places than one lifetime can accomplish. With the sea in his blood, he especially loved boats and being around the ocean. Byron’s optimism, warmth, and infectious laughter endeared him to all. He had a knack for storytelling and a kind heart that lifted the spirits of those around him. Byron was known for his buoyant personality, analytical mind, and willingness to share his time and fix-it talents with everyone he knew. Staying connected with his family and many long-standing friendships was a big part of his joy in life. Byron's life will be celebrated in a Memorial Celebration of Life at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the joy and privilege of knowing him. Please join us in honoring Byron's remarkable life and sharing cherished memories together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Byron's memory to the Houston SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals), Houston CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection), or The Houston Symphony. Rest in peace, Byron Cooley.

Byron Lester Cooley

April 24, 1947 - June 22, 2024