Robert "Bob" William Cooney

He was born on February 25, 1937, in Topeka, KS, the son of Paul and Grace (Wohlford) Cooney.

Bob graduated with the class of 1955 at Cathedral Boys High School. He attended several universities including, St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, KS, Quincy College in Quincy, IL, and SIU Carbondale, IL, where he obtained his B.A. in 1963. In the early 1970s he spent a brief period in California managing hotels for his brother, Jim. Bob worked for the Secretary of State in Illinois until his retirement in 1991. He also served with the U.S. Army Reserves for 2 years.

He loved golf and softball and was quite fond of his “Wednesday” travel days for golf, breakfast, and pizza with friends. Bob frequently enjoyed refreshments with buddies at the 19th hole. He spent many winters in New Mexico and Arizona and traveled to most National Parks and Monuments within the U.S.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Grace; brothers, James, Thomas, Michael, and Kevin Cooney; and nephew, Steven Senecal.

He is survived by his sister, Mary P. Senecal of Lenexa, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00am, Monday, August 24, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704 with Fr. Michael Friedel officiating. The family wishes everyone to wear golf attire, in Bob’s honor, as he would want everyone to be comfortable.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer condolences.