Garth Cooley Indianapolis IN Obituary, Death: It is with heavy hearts that we gather to remember and honor the life of Garth Cooley, a man whose contributions, mentorship, and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Garth, a beloved Realtor Sales Associate at United Real Estate – Indianapolis and a Grand Master Instructor at Korea Taekwondo Academy (KTA), passed away unexpectedly, leaving a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, students, and colleagues.
Though Garth is no longer with us physically, his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and in the lessons he imparted to those fortunate enough to learn from him. Garth’s life was one defined by his dedication to others. Whether through his professional work as a real estate agent or his passion for Taekwondo, Garth was driven by a desire to help people. He believed in making a difference, no matter the scale of the endeavor, and his actions consistently reflected that belief. A resident of Noblesville, Indiana, and originally from Indianapolis, Garth became known in his community as a man who gave his time, energy, and wisdom freely to others, always eager to share his knowledge and experience.
As a Realtor, Garth was known for his exceptional work ethic, his integrity, and his commitment to his clients. He approached each real estate transaction with the same dedication that he brought to all aspects of his life—he was always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that those he served were satisfied and informed. His clients appreciated not only his professionalism but his genuine care and concern for their needs. Garth’s work ethic was rooted in a desire to help others achieve their goals, whether those goals were buying a first home, selling a property, or finding a place to build a new future. His ability to connect with people made him stand out in a field where relationships are key.
However, it was in his role as a Grand Master Instructor at Korea Taekwondo Academy where Garth truly left a lasting legacy. His involvement in Taekwondo was not just about teaching martial arts; it was about instilling values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and strength in his students. Jeremy Raymer, a long-time student and mentee of Garth, wrote movingly about their bond, stating, “At the time, I didn’t know that this man would become a Dad to me. At the time, I only knew he was my then Taekwondo Instructor, and now my Grandmaster and someone who is the most influential Man in my life.” These words capture the essence of who Garth was—a mentor, a father figure, and an inspiration to so many. His teachings were not confined to the dojo; they extended far beyond the practice of martial arts, shaping the lives of his students in ways that went much deeper.
Garth’s impact as a Taekwondo instructor was immeasurable. He was not just a teacher of technique, but a teacher of life. His students didn’t just learn to defend themselves; they learned how to live with integrity, how to stay grounded in the face of adversity, and how to treat others with respect. His leadership style was defined by kindness, patience, and understanding. As Jeremy noted, “He taught me so many things about being a kind, caring, compassionate, loving man. He taught me how to persevere through adversity and keep moving forward when things get tough.” Garth’s ability to guide his students through their challenges, both inside and outside the dojo, made him a figure who was deeply loved and respected.
Garth’s influence extended far beyond the physical training of his students. His mentorship went straight to the heart of character-building, helping his students navigate life’s obstacles with resilience and grace. He believed that martial arts could be a vehicle for personal growth and transformation, and he devoted his life to helping others realize their full potential. His teachings were never limited to physical strength but encompassed emotional, mental, and spiritual fortitude.
In his reflections, Jeremy spoke about the enduring influence of Garth’s teachings: “You may no longer be here physically, but I know you’ll always be with me. Your teachings have been integral in who I have become, and no matter where life takes me, your teachings will too.” These words are a powerful testament to the profound impact Garth had on his students. His legacy is one that will live on in every individual who had the privilege of being guided by him. Whether they were learning martial arts or lessons for life, Garth’s influence will remain a constant source of inspiration and guidance for years to come.
It was also clear that Garth lived his life with a sense of purpose. He didn’t simply teach his students to be the best in the world at Taekwondo; he taught them to be the best people they could be. He was a firm believer that success wasn’t just about accomplishments or accolades but about the person you became along the way. As Jeremy said, “When you succeed, there is still more to be done.” This philosophy of lifelong growth and improvement was something that Garth instilled in all those who learned from him, reminding them that no matter how far they came, there was always more to strive for, more to learn, and more to contribute.
Though Garth’s passing at the age of 57 was unexpected and tragic, we can take comfort in knowing that he lived his life with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. His family, friends, colleagues, and students will forever carry his memory with them and will continue to embody the values he so cherished. His impact on the world, especially in the lives of his students, will never be forgotten. As Jeremy eloquently put it, “I cannot begin to tell you how much you have meant to me and how much you will be missed by the thousands you helped.”
Garth’s legacy will live on in the countless people whose lives were touched by his kindness, his mentorship, and his dedication to building a better world, one person at a time. His spirit of service, his unwavering belief in the potential of others, and his enduring love for his family and community will continue to inspire all those who knew him.
To Garth’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. We know that no words can ease the pain of this loss, but we hope that you find comfort in knowing how much Garth was loved and respected by so many. He was a man who lived with honor and integrity, and his legacy will continue to make a difference in the lives of all who carry his teachings forward.
