Thomas W. Cooney

Thomas W. Cooney, (100) peacefully died in Highlands Ranch, CO on 3/19/2026 surrounded by family. He was born in Chicago Heights, IL to James and Alice Cooney into a family of 7 children. He attended St. Agnes Catholic School followed by graduation from Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, IL. Shortly after graduation, in 1943, he was drafted into the Army and was immediately assigned to the Air Force where he served for 2 years during WWII. He flew 19 combat missions as an aerial photographer before being shot down over Moosebierbaum, Austria and captured in Hungary on 3/1/1945. For a short time, he was a POW and was liberated 4/29/45 from StalagVII-A POW Camp in Moosburg, Germany by George Patton’s army.

Immediately following his military discharge, Tom entered and graduated from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, majoring in business and specializing in insurance and real estate. While at Bowling Green, Tom met and married Mary Heskett from Akron, Ohio, his loving wife of 74 years. Tom felt marrying Mary was his greatest accomplishment. Mary was always loving, supportive and encouraging. All of this while rearing their family and being his number one business partner.

During flight training in Colorado, Tom was so captivated by its mountains and beauty he felt he must return, which he did. They moved to Pueblo and spent most of their life there. Following a successful career with Commercial Credit Corporation, Tom went into business for himself. “If I can make money for other people, why not for myself?” In 1954, Tom and Mary opened A & W Root Beer followed by two more within the following five years. In the early 60s, they recognized an opportunity with Kentucky Fried Chicken. They opened their first KFC restaurant in Pueblo, later expanding to Canon City and La Junta. Tom and Mary always agreed if they had a degree of success, it was because they were blessed with outstanding managers and employees.

The top joys of Tom’s life were family gatherings with his three, wonderful, charming, accomplished daughters Colleen (Tom) Hatton, Peggy (Steve) Eickelman, Tammy (Bob) Guthmiller and six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Tom loved every one of them.

Tom had firm thoughts on many topics, which he often expressed. Most of the time they were correct. Tom truly enjoyed his friends, family business and investing. Following his retirement, Tom was especially fond of visits to Dillon in the summer and Oro Valley, AZ in the winter.

Tom firmly believed that every good citizen in their own way should do their best to give service to their faith, community and profession. In faith, Tom served on Christ the King’s Parish Council and on the Pueblo Diocese Foundation for many years both as a committee member and chairman. He served as a Eucharistic minister at Vi Senior Community Center. For his community, Tom spent nine years as a member and/or chairman of the St. Mary Corwin Hospital Board. He also belonged to Rotary. Professionally, Tom served many years on the A & W Advisory Board as well as on KFC Regional Committees.

A Catholic Mass to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Friday, April 10th at 11:00 AM at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 10675 Jaguar Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201-3443 (https://www.crs.org) or the charity of your choice.