John Austin “Bud” Cooney, 77

John Austin "Bud" Cooney, 77, of Otterville, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born July 3, 1937, in Providence, RI, son of Austin Patrick and Madeline Ellen Prest Cooney. On October 6, 1957, in Sedalia, he married Sydonna L. Hackler, who survives of the home.

Bud retired from the Air Force after 20 years. He worked for many years as a deputy for the Cooper County Sheriff's Department and was a State of Missouri Purple Heart recipient. He was also Otterville City Marshal. He was a member of the Otterville American Legion and VFW Post 2591. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Patricia Seifert (Gene), of Otterville; four grandchildren, Jonathan Seifert, Preston Seifert, Shelby Thomas and Shaunna Pace; eight great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; two brothers, James Cooney and Austin Cooney; and three sisters, Donna Dube, Joan McDermott and Elizabeth Lonergan.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Donna Lynn Geromini and Debra Sue Cooney; his parents; a brother, Joseph Cooney; and five sisters, Rita Whalen, Alberta Duffy, Marion Humecky, Veronica Cooney and Eleanor Cooney.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Jeff Page officiating.

Casket bearers will be Gene Seifert, Preston Seifert, Tommy Thomas, Chad Pace, Roger Steudle and John Ernest.

Honorary bearers will be Jonathan Seifert, Jessica Seifert, Finley Seifert, Devyn Thomas, Gage Thomas, Mariah Seifert, Wyatt Seifert, Lukas Pace, Austin Pace and Tanner Pace.

Burial with military honors will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Otterville.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warriors Project or to a charity of the donor's choice.