Dallas - Loren Bruce Cooley, a longtime resident of Dallas died Thursday, March 10, 2016 in the Salem Hospital, at the age of 80. He was born on May 26, 1935 in Salem, Oregon the son of Alton Bruce and Margaret Elizabeth Rosebraugh Cooley. He grew up in Salem and moved to Dallas where he graduated from high school. He served in the United States Marines overseas in Japan and in Camp Pendleton, California and was discharged as a sergeant. For a time, he worked on the green chain at Willamette Industries and then joined the family business. Cooley's Furniture, on Main Street in Dallas was started by his father Bruce in 1945 and he and his brother Gary eventually took over the business, owned and operated it until they retired in 2011. Loren worked at the store for over 50 years and enjoyed helping people find what they needed. He would say "the thrill of the sale never grows old". He was part of the old school of ethics where you stood by your product and service. Loren married Earla Mae Watkins in Reno, Nevada. They had been married for 38 years before she preceded him in death on February 14, 2016. He enjoyed hunting pheasant, duck, fly fishing, and raising beef cattle. His nickname was "Lucky" for his ability in salesmanship and his occasional win out at the casino. For many years, he grew a wonderful garden, even last year in ill health he still planted 16 rows of corn.

He is survived sons Steve (Laura) Cooley and David Cooley, step-sons Larry Watkins, Lannie Watkins and Lonnie Watkins and a brother Gary (Carol) Cooley along with 13 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

A memorial service for both Loren and Mae will begin at 11:00 am on April 9, 2016, at the Valley Life Center Church at 1795 SE Miller Ave. in Dallas. To leave a message or memory for the family please go to www.dallastribute.com. The Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family.

Published in the Salem, Oregon Statesman Journal on Apr. 3, 2016.