Gary Ronald Cooner was born on September 23, 1953, in Gilmer, Texas and passed away on February 13, 2026, in Hollister, Missouri at the age of 72 years. He was born to Doy Lee and Willie Fern Cooner.

In 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Debbie, they raised three children and were married for 46 years upon her death.

Gary was a railroad engineer for 18 years where most of that time he was working for Missouri Pacific. He also worked for Cox Branson, where he retired in 2017.

He enjoyed collecting coins, model trains and bird watching. Gary’s favorite things involved his family, especially family gatherings and family camping trips.

Gary is survived by his children Joseph Cooner and wife Julia, Jason Cooner and wife Kim and Robyn Woodruff and husband Jaremi, grandchildren Layne(Bree), Dakota(Ryann), Triston, Caydance, Little Deb, John(Patience), Logan(Raven), Jayden(Jordan), Austin and Allyssa, great grandchildren Emma, Patti, Elayna, Baylor and Baby S. Woodruff.

He was preceded by his parents, wife Debbie and brother Doy Lynn.

A visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Diana, Texas, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6pm to 8pm and on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 2pm to 3pm at Smyrna Methodist Church, Harleton, Texas, with services to begin after visitation.