Christopher Jack Cooley, 44, of Heber Springs, passed away on February 13, 2026. Born in Houma, Louisiana, on August 13, 1981, Christopher was the cherished son of Max and Jane (Cooley) Delgado. He grew up surrounded by family, forging lasting bonds and memories that would remain with those who knew him.
Christopher was a proud Alabama fan, often seen cheering on his team with contagious enthusiasm. He found great joy in carpentry and spent countless hours crafting, fixing things, and restoring what others thought could not be fixed. He also loved collecting watches, each one a symbol of his appreciation for craftsmanship and detail. Known for his mischievous sense of humor, Christopher’s pranks were legendary, bringing laughter and light moments to every gathering. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved fishing and working on the farm.
He honorably served his country in the National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to duty and community. Christopher was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert Cooley, Patsy (Wiley) Wadley, and Max Delgado Sr., Mildred Garland, the mother of his daughter, Amanda Ponder, and his cousin, Josefina Juanico.
He is survived by his loving parents, Max and Jane Delgado of Newport; his childhood step-father, Royce Garland; his daughters, Kendall Cooley of Oregon and Baylee Watson of Newport; his step-daughters, Kaytie Orrell of Ida and Kylie Orrell of Heber Springs; his step-son, Blain Orrell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his sisters, Erica Page (Shawn) of Newport, Denise Harvey (Kelley) of Newport, and Misty Garland of Texas; his brothers, Scotty Garland (Christine) of Searcy and Mitchell Garland of Newport; his grandmother, Aurora Delgado of Michigan; his girlfriend, Elizabeth Davis of Ida; his nephews, Brian Hurst of Grubbs, Kyle Dodson of Newport; and many aunts, uncles and cousins and a lifetime of friends who will cherish his memory.
Christopher leaves behind an enduring legacy of kindness, humor, and resilience. Though he is no longer with us, his presence lives on in the hearts and stories of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, yet never forgotten.
Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Dillinger Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will be on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
