Barry Cooley Sr.

Barry Cooley was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 25, 1960, to Scott Cooley Sr. and Gladys Cooley. He was the youngest of 8.

The Cooley family moved from St. Louis to Kansas City in 1964. They originally lived on 24th and Harrison and later moved to 40th and Flora, where he grew up. Barry graduated from Westport High School in 1980. In high school, he played football and basketball. He was also a member of ROTC and the band, where he was the drum major. Barry loved playing the drums, skating, and, most of all, music, which brought him to becoming a DJ. Barry was known for wearing his white glasses with no lenses. Growing up, he attended Victory Temple Church, where he was in the choir and played the drums. Barry served in the Army National Guard and worked at the Greyhound bus station.

Barry was called home on January 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Scott Cooley Sr.; his mother, Gladys Cooley; his brothers, Charles and Scott Cooley Jr.; and his sister, Deborah Williams. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Frances J. Franklin-Cooley.

Barry leaves to cherish his memories three brothers: Johnell Williams, Marlan (Bob), and Renard Cooley (Bo); one sister, Patricia Cooley-Newson; and five sons: Barry Cooley Jr., Dewayne Franklin, Barryon Cooley, Byron Cooley, and Brandon Cooley. He also leaves 14 grandchildren, a girlfriend/caregiver, Neatrice McKenzie, and a whole host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends who will miss him.

A funeral service will be held Friday January 24, 2025, at Golden Gate Funeral & Cremation Services, LLC 2800 E. 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127. The visitation will begin at 2:00pm, the service will follow at 3:oopm.