Charles COOKE

1942 - 2021

COOKE, SMSgt, USAF, Retired, Charles Donald

SMSgt Charles Donald Cooke, USAF, Retired, has gone on his last Permanent Change of

Station (PCS) assignment, 31 January 2021, ahead of family and friends to prepare the way for their arrival in their new home with our Heavenly

Father for when they join him once more.

Charlie "Don" Cooke, as known to his family and friends, was born in Swannanoa, North Carolina, 2 May 1942. At the age of 18 he graduated Charles D. Owen High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF), May 1960. Charlie proudly served his country with honor, devotion, and distinction for over 54 years.

Charlie was not only fiercely dedicated to his country, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and friend. Charlie's life epitomized the Air Force Core Values – "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do."

After retiring from a distinguished 21-year military career, a 16-year Civil Service career and then finally 17 years as a

Defense Contractor, Charlie moved his family from New Carlisle, Ohio, to Cartersville, Georgia, where a new chapter of his life evolved.

Charlie leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, and childhood sweetheart of 29 years, Cheryl Dianna Cooke, his loving daughter, Stevie Lynn Cooke-Holbrook, Sisters: Jewell "Julie" Ratcliffe, Jo Ward (Jim), Vivolynn Crandall; Brothers: David Cooke (Ruth), Michael Cooke (Tula), and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins,' friends and neighbors. Charlie is preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Surette-Cooke, Father, Roy Curtis Cooke, Mother Ruby Hall-Cooke and brother Talmadge "Bo" Cooke.