Gilbert LaVern Cooney

Gilbert LaVern Cooney was born on August 24, 1942, in Little Rock, AR to Lewis J. Cooney Sr. and Lillian Earnestine Hinton Body. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, marked the day that the Lord welcomed his humble servant Gilbert L. Cooney into heaven at 9:18 a.m.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Donnie M. Hinton, Ronnie N. Hinton, Lonnie A. Hinton, Lewis J. Cooney Jr., Kenneth J. Cooney and Carl E. Cooney. Sisters; Delores Y. Robinson Harris, Betty Cooney Carter and Wilma J. Cooney.

While Gilbert was born in Little Rock he also lived in North Little Rock. He confessed his belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at an early age. He was a member of the Allen Memorial House of Prayer under the pastoral leadership of his brothers Rev. Robert Cooney and Rev. William Cooney, located in Higgins Switch, Arkansas.

He attended Little Rock Public Schools until he decided that it was time to explore other parts of the world. He joined the United States Navy on March 16, 1960. Gilbert’s service to his country included serving a Western Pacific deployment as a member of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Buckner Bay, Okinawa, South Vietnam, Yokosuka, Japan and a member of the Royal Order of the Golden Dragon. While in the U.S. Navy he earned the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and First Good Conduct Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, TET Offensive Campaign Medal and 45 Caliber Pistol Expert Award. His uniform was worn with great pride. According to his military records, his superiors noted that he was an asset to the U.S. Navy.

After serving in the military for over 20 years, Gilbert received an honorable discharge as a Petty Officer on September 1, 1983. He returned home and lived a quiet life surrounded by family. Gilbert was a caring and thoughtful person. He believed in helping others. He loved his family and showed it in various generous ways. Gilbert had a zest and zeal for life. Loved playing blackjack and bingo. He never would tell you of any winnings but was always willing to give you a token of his love with no questions answered. He was the life of a party with a crazy and infectious laughter. He will be missed.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his sisters; Alice A. Hammonds Harris, Linda F. Nelson Hodge (Kenneth), Brenda J. Scgers (Lonnie), Belinda Cooney Rainey and Carolyn Cooney; brothers: William L. Cooney, Sr. (Mary); Robert L. Cooney (Barbara), Anthony C. Cooney and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.