Mr. Austin Cooke II

Austin Cooke II, age 68, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and resident of Slidell, Louisiana was entrusted to God’s loving care on Thursday, July 15th, 2010. He was the beloved son of the late Lucile Worsham Cooke and Austin Cooke. His survivors include two sons, Austin Nelson Shaffer and Noah Augustus Cooke; two daughters, Ashley Cooke Shaffer and Laura Cooke Ducote and one grandson Taylor O’Rourke Simmons. He is also survived by his sisters Cynthia Cooke Roth, Sandra Cooke Bloom and Gayle Proffitt Cooke. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins, as well as his uncle Frederick W. Kunz. Mr. Cooke attended Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia and graduated from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. He also attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the University of New Orleans. At Virginia Episcopal School he was a member of the V Club and the track team. His favorite track events were the High and Low Hurdles. His fascination with the outdoors and horticulture from a very young age led to the building of the Bloomin’ Barn in Slidell. Computers were another interest of his and he worked in the computer field most of his adult life. He was in the sales department of Bene Com Technologies for many years. As a member of the Chamale’ Tennis and Social Club in Slidell, he enjoyed the tennis and socialization! Austin Cooke’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of East Jefferson Hospital, St. Theresa’s Specialty Hospital, St. Joseph of Harahan and St. Theresa’s Hospice for the excellent care given to Austin during his illness. The warmth and concern were a comfort for the family during a difficult time. A funeral will be held on Saturday, July 24 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Visitation 11:00-1:00 p.m. Service 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum on Tuesday, July 28, 2010. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Austin’s life on Saturday, July 24, 2010. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Heart Association or Virginia Episcopal School are preferred.