George Andrew Cobley

George Andrew Cobley, 83, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Alice Cemetery in Center Point, Iowa. 

George was born on September 3, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, to George and Sue (Zachar) Cobley. He graduated from Des Moines Technical School where he helped set up the original public television station, now called Iowa Public Broadcasting. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. On June 6, 1964, George married Donna Frances Brayton in Des Moines. His professional career began at E.F. Johnson Co. in Waseca, Minnesota, where he worked from 1964 to 1978. He then joined Rockwell Collins, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. 

A dedicated electrical engineer, George approached life with a strong will and a meticulous sense of planning, it was his way or the highway. Though stubborn, he was deeply caring and fiercely protective of his girls, always their biggest supporter. George’s sense of humor kept those around him laughing. An avid horseman, he rode an impressive 500 miles per year for two decades across Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. As a pilot, he found true freedom in the skies. He had a sweet tooth for Oreos and Hershey Kisses, and also had a love for cashews, Cheez-Its, steak, garlic toast, and Pepsi. Known for his generosity, he was always eager to lend a helping hand but never one to ask for help himself.

George was an attentive member of the Anchor Bible Church in Center Point, Iowa, and dedicated much of his life to community service and his passions. Since 1969, he was involved with the Civil Air Patrol and was a licensed Ham Radio Operator. He was also a member of the Center Point Saddle Club, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Farmers State Bank Connect Club, and the Cedar Valley Trail Riders. Additionally, he served as Communications Chief and Radiological Chief for Waseca Civil Defense and contributed to Linn County Emergency Management. George also gave back to his community through the Center Point Meals on Wheels Agency.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Cobley, of Marion; daughters, Susan (Mark) Ackerman of Allison, Iowa, and Patricia Cobley of Wheaton, Illinois; grandchildren, David (Bri) Reese and Garrett Cobley; and great-grandchild, Lilly Reese.

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the care of Donna Cobley.