[InHam] Joe Cooney KA9YQY SK

[Walt Breining]

Joe Cooney KA9YQY SK

It is with deepest regrets that I must report that Henry County has lost a good friend who was an Amateur Radio Operator. Joe Cooney, KA9YQY passed away Sunday morning.

Joe was the Father of Darrel Cooney KB9GGN and was the Uncle of Joe Horine W9XOX. He was a member of the Henry County Amateur Radio Club. His Son Darrell told me "His amateur license was among his most cherished achievements and possessions." Joe and his Son were often heard having a nightly conversation on the 147.360 repeater in New Castle In. These interesting conversations inadvertently developed a listenership of Radio Amateurs and scanner owners. These nightly conversations became jokingly referred to as "The Joe and Darrell Show."

Cooney enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a radio repairman and entered active duty in the Signal Corps in June of 1943 serving under General Bradley in France, Luxembourg and Germany.

Joe was also a professional photographer. He purchased a local photography business in his hometown of Kinghtstown Indiana in 1953 after returning home from WWII. The building and sign "Portraits by Cooney" still exists on the north side of US 40 in Knightstown. He had served as President of the Board of Directors of the Professional Photographers of Indiana.

Joe Cooney a Republican was elected to the Henry County Council in 1974 where served to the present time. He did not like to be called a politician. He once told me that "he was not a politician, he was a public servant." His political views were fair and balanced. For this reason many voters crossed party lines to give Joe their support. He was a great conversationalist who never met a stranger. His trademark was his bow tie.

Joe Cooney was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. He had served as a Post Commander of the American Legion Post # 152 in Kinghtstown. 

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 today, Wednesday August 3 at the Hinsey-Brown Knightstown Chapel followed by a service at 3:00 PM. 

Joe Cooney will be deeply missed. 

With Deepest Regrets,

Walter A. Breining, N9WB