Edward Alexander Cooke Sr.

HAMPTON - Edward Alexander Cooke Sr., 91, entered into eternal rest Monday, Aug. 15, 2005. He was a lifelong Peninsula resident. He was born in 1913 in Newport News, Va., to the late Alexander Cooke and Ocie Cooke. Mr. Cooke received his early education in the Newport News Public Schools and graduated from Huntington High School. He attended St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Va., where he studied dry cleaning and laundry management before being drafted into the 466th Division of the United States Army during World War II. In the Army, Edward perfected his skill at playing the alto saxophone and developed appreciation for marching, classical sacred and jazz music. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Edward began playing with a musical group called 'The Virginia Blue Devils' organized by his brother, DeWitt. He later organized his own musical group, 'The Eddie Cooke Orchestra.' The two musical groups are remembered for providing most of the great music on the Peninsula during the late 1940s era. After leaving the Army, Mr. Cooke, acquired the position as manager of the Hampton Institute (Hampton University) laundry and dry cleaning department, which he held for more than 35 years. He took great pride in doing his work with excellence in a respectful manner. He was well liked and admired by all who knew him. Edward was a longtime, devoted member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. He attended regularly and often played his alto saxophone during the service. He was also a member of the men's club. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, DeWitt Cooke. Left to cherish his memory as a devoted father and husband is his wife of 55 years, Arminta S. Cooke; a faithful, caring daughter, DeVera B. Cooke; and a loyal son, Edward A. Cooke Jr. A thanksgiving for the life of Edward Alexander Cooke Sr. will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Viewing will begin Wednesday at 1 p.m., followed by a wake service from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Cooke will lie in state two hours prior to the service at the church on Thursday. The family request that expressions of sympathy be made to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Ave., Newport News, VA 23607. Arrangements are by O. H. Smith and Son Funeral Home.