Edward Eugene Cooke, age 78, passed away at Holy Rosary Healthcare on June 5, 2015, due to complications from a brain aneurysm.
Edward was born March 25, 1937, in Pekin, Illinois, to Everett Edward Cooke and Ida Lou Coomer Cooke, joining his only sibling, sister Laura. When Ed was six years old, the family moved from Illinois to Phoenix, AZ, where his parents worked as educators in the Phoenix school system.
Ed excelled in music and mechanics throughout his teen years, and graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1955. He attended Arizona State University on a music scholarship for one year, and then joined the Vern Beyer Band, touring the western United States as a saxophone player. In late 1957, Ed joined the Air Force to become a navigator. Upon completion of his training, Ed returned to school at Phoenix College, where he met a fellow band member and cheerleader, Mary Evoline Ryder. They were married on June 18, 1960, and to this union, six children were born. Ed always regarded his family to be his greatest treasure.
Most of Ed’s working years were spent in the aviation industry, where he earned his commercial pilot’s license, instructor rating, aircraft and power plant mechanic rating, and FAA inspector rating. He started his own air freight company, ran a Grand Canyon flight touring agency, and did aircraft maintenance for BLM fire service in Northern Arizona. He was a pipeline pilot for Arco Oil Company in Odessa, TX. He also developed an aircraft mechanic program for Truckee Meadow Technical College In Reno, NV.
Ed interest in music continued wherever his lived. He was a member of the Army Reserve Band; did writing and arranging for bands and theater production; and also served as the band instructor at Sacred Heart School in Miles City in his later years.
Ed and Mary moved to Miles City in 2000 to be closer to their oldest daughter and family. They quickly became locals by delving into classes at Miles Community College, becoming active in the Miles City LDS Ward, and following their grandchildren’s school activities. Ed worked as a greeter at Steadman’s Ace Hardware for several years until his declining health forced him to retire in spring of 2014.
Ed spent the last year at Holy Rosary Healthcare’s Extended Care Unit, where he cheerfully greeted all who passed him in the halls with wide open arms and a big smile.
Ed is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Mary, and his six children: Cynthia (Kelly) Reid of Miles City, MT; Connie (William) Lawrence of Reno, NV; Damon (Lisa) Cooke of Las Vegas, NV; Darrin (Jill) Cooke of Dallas, TX; Daniel (Linda) Cooke of Hannibal, MO; and Carolyn Gates of Carson City, NV. His legacy includes 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ed is also survived by his sister, Laura DeNinno, of Phoenix, AZ, and her four children, and many cousins. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Ida Lou Cooke.
Cremation has taken place and a family memorial service is planned for later this summer at the Eastern MT Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to Wake Up & Lace Up.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 7, 2015
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Memorial Service
Friday August 7, 2015
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 7, 2015
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Memorial Service
Friday August 7, 2015
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Katy Harbaugh says
Our thoughts and hugs to all of Ed’s family
From the Blue Crew
Denise and Jay Harvey says
My dear friend Ed, we will miss you and I will miss your kind comments about music!
You are now playing music with the Angels!
Love and prayers to all your famiy.
Denise and Jay
Carol Schneidt says
Mary and family, Know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Many hugs to each of you!
Peggy and Chuck says
Mary and family, we are thinking of you and your family during this time! Ed was a great greeter at Ace and was missed when he no longer was with us!
Geri and Ty Livingston says
Ed Cooke family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather. If there is anything you need, let us know.
Ann Johnson says
Mary and family so sorry for your loss. Ed was a person that after you meet him you had a feeling of joy. His smile, his warm and friendly voice, had a way of making you forget your problems. Walking by Ed in the morning he always ask, and how are you today young lady? My heart would go back to Ace, you would walk in and be greeted by and how are you today,and can I help you find anything young lady. Ed is now greeting people at the pearly gates. I feel very blessed to have know this great man.
Garth Sleight says
Mary, Cindy/Kelly, and family:
My deepest condolences to you and your families. Ed was a dear friend, whom I shall miss tremendously. Ace Hardware is certainly not the same without him, and I miss his warm greeting and his enticements to go down “Temptation Alley” (aisle with all of the fancy power tools). He always knew which aisle I needed to go to in order to find what I was looking for. His love of and passion for music, the Spanish language, and his family are things I will particularly miss, along with his hearty laugh and cheerful disposition.
Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Diane Welbes says
So sorry for your loss- Ed always had a big hello no matter where he was. He is with Our Lord now, and that’s a great place to be. Thoughts & Prayers.
Tandra Draper says
I am so sorry for this loss. I know God is helping you get through the days, minutes and seconds. I will be praying for you all and be there in spirit as you celebrate Ed’s life. Know you have so many people praying for you right now.
Gene & Sue Cranford says
So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. We so loved to visit with him and enjoyed all of his stories.
He will be greatly missed. Mary and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gina Mader says
Cindy, Kelly and the entire family-
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Ed was always extremely happy and had a smile on his face! One time I was walking through Ace and he kindly told me to smile, because “life wasn’t that bad”. 🙂 He is right! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Sherry Oster says
To Ed’s family;
I am so sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. What a great, cheerful man. Thinking of and praying for you all.
Paul Vaagen says
Sorry to hear that Ed passed away. You folks were such good neighbors across the alley to my mom and dad. We all wish we could be as lucky to have lived such a full life as Ed.
Paul Vaagen
Tammy Holmes(Bickle) says
Cindy(And family),
My thoughts go out to you and the family. He was such an awesome guy with such a contagious smile. As I saw the photo I couldn’t help but to smile. I know a photo as such shouldn’t make one smile but his smile does that to a person. I remember coming into Ace on the occasion in a hurry and othered by repairs. After the third time in he looked at me with that smile and said, “Sweetie smile once in awhile…they will wonder what you are up to.” What an amazing soul. Know that God has chose the most special angel for you. My thoughts, prayers, and heart go to you and your family at this time. Celebrate the wonderful man he is and the memories you will have forever.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Cindy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. He will be missed by many. Never easy to let go. Celebrate his life and treasure all your memories! God Bless.
Jared & Carmen Holley says
Mary and family, we loved Ed and will miss Ed dearly. A wonderful man always looking to help or share a story. There were very few times I saw Ed were he wasn’t smiling. He loved his family and all his neighbors around him. I will never forget the last time we visited him with Jocelyn st the hospital. Heaven gained an angel and I look forward to seeing him again some day
Maureen Larson says
Cindy & family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Ed was such a warm sincere man & it was always a bright spot in my day when he would greet me coming into Steadman’s. May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
The Stanton's says
Just wanted you to know we are thinking about the entire Reid family.
God Bless,
The Stantons
Carmen and Brad Knutson says
Cindy and Families, So very sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a special person, always that smile!! Our thoughts and sympathy are with all of you. Treasure your memories!!
Penny Bonogofsky says
My prayers are with you and your family what a special person and all the people he brought happiness to there life God be with all of you
James L. Arneson says
I have missed seeing Ed at ACE or here at the clinic when he was over for an appointment. What a wonderful man, such a great sense of humor and a one of a kind personality. I am sorry for your loss, he was one of the happiest, men I have ever met.
Ken and Kristi Stein says
Dear Cindy and family,
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you at this time of great loss. I’ll always remember Ed’s greeting coming into the store.
Dave Robertson says
My time around the extended Cooke family was late 1970’s- early 1980’s. Flying the Grand Canyon, etc. I still think the world of you all! Sad that I won’t see Ed again. Hopefully I’ll occasionally see the rest of you!
Avis Rost says
Cindy, and the rest of the family. I didn’t know your dad or family very well, but I remembered being in the pool with him doing exercises, and I thought that he was a very friendly person. He DID always seem to have a smile, especially at Ace. I know Cindy more than the rest of the family, but my heart goes out to you all. I know we will see him again, and I know that he is not in pain anymore, so I pray that you all look to Our Heavenly Father, and know that he has welcomed this kind gentleman into his kingdom. God Bless you all.
Lisa Parsons says
Ed was a wonderful person I feel very blessed that I got to know him. He will be truely missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jan Nolan says
Thinking of the Cooke family during this difficult time. May God bless you all!
Jessie Beehler says
Mary, Cindy, Kelly & family:
May your fond memories of such a happy, loving man, bring you peace & comfort in your times of grief! My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Chris and Corine Cook says
Mary and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry for your loss. When I look back at our time in miles city I often think of our candy runs at Ace and Ed right there to greet the kiddos and I. My kids loved to wave at him with one finger just like he taught them. Heaven as defiantly gained one special soul!
Cheryl Tonn says
What a wonderful picture of Ed. It captured that wonderful smile with twinkling eyes to the “T”. I have missed him as a neighbor and it was always so good to see him when I went to Ace. Spring and summer are my busiest times shopping at Ace and I just Monday, coincidentally, missed his face and was thinking about he and you, Mary, wondering how all was in your world. Then I realized I hadn’t seen him for a long time and figured he had finally retired !!! I didn’t realize he was in Extended care…I see he continued to meet and greet to the delight of visitors in his home there! I think he will be standing beside St. Peter at the gate welcoming all to heaven. God has had His eye on him for a long time for that very position I am sure !!! My thoughts are with you all. How comforting to know what an uplifting effect he had on so many in this town…and many more that won’t express it to you all.
Jennifer Henke says
I don’t live in Miles City anymore, but I remember seeing Ed whenever I went to Ace. He was always so friendly and helpful. My condolences to his family.
Kelly Janitell says
Cindy and family , I’m so sorry for your loss. Ed was such a sweet person who I really enjoyed visiting with. What a dear person who will truly be missed . My thoughts are with you !
Zoe Whicker says
I was so saddened to hear about Ed’s passing. He and Mary acted as stand-in “grandparents” for me and my family many times. He and Mary were very close to my family and he will be truly, deeply missed. I’ll miss his music and his funny stories.
To the family, I hurt with you, I pray for you and I send you my love as well as the love from the rest of the family. He was an amazing man.
Deborah (Moths) Schmeling says
Dear Mary and Family,
Sorry to here about Ed. I so enjoyed him while he was at Ace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His comforting arms around you with his peace and comfort.
Brad and Heather Schmitz says
Mary and Family:
So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I truly loved Ed. He taught me so much by his love of life, his simple ways, and his gratitude for anyone who would spend a few minutes to visit. Ed’s desire to serve his fellow man was a great lesson for all. I will always cherish his willingness to play the piano for our priesthood opening exercises. He played the hymns with a Vegas lounge twist. It was more that I could contain and many times burst out in a chuckle. I’d look at Ed and he would just grin and wink. I hope there is a piano in heaven!
Raylynn Sleight says
Ed was such a good man who always had a smile and a funny joke to greet us. His legacy lives on, yet he will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to the Cooke family from Ogden, Utah.
Raylynn Sleight says
Ed was such a wonderful man who always greeted with a smile and funny joke. His legacy lives on, but he will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to the Cooke family from Ogden, Utah.
–Raylynn Sleight
Janine Yates says
I count both Ed and Mary as dear friends. I cherish the many times that Ed and I entertained the veterans at the VA. We also were actively involved with The Miles City Music Club. We got together and played piano duets. I played on his marimba and organ. He accompanied me as I sang and played the saxophone… we sang together… we did it all. He shared many, if not all, of his arrangements including Besame’ Mucho & Peg ‘O My Heart, just to name a few. I have no doubt you are enjoying a grand reunion with those who have passed on Ed. Please say hello to my father who passed away 2 days before you and teach him how to play the saxophone… he always wanted to learn. With much love! Janine
Heidi Jacobsen says
I love Ed and Mary! I have had the opportunity to be a part of their lives for many years now. I am going to miss Ed on many levels. Firstly, Ed was always so kind to me and my children. He loved us all and we felt it. He was always interested in whatever we had going on and always had something wonderful to share. He and I shared a love of Jazz. In cowboy country, that is a rare delight. We sang Satin Doll and other songs together while he played on the piano. My son played bass cello to Ed’s piano on several occasions and I just loved that! Ed was humble. I don’t think he ever understood how likeable and enjoyable his personality was to others. Eds smile was contagious and you just couldn’t help feeling good after a visit.
I will miss you Ed and I will look after your dear wife, who you loved more than life. I hope Jazz will still be a thing in heaven because I’m looking forward to a reunion concert someday. Miss you friend!
Trish Grau says
Greatest greater ever Ed! Your welcoming smile will be forever remembered! God’s peace be sent to your family on the gossamer wings of his angels.
Jarrod and Karen Cain says
We will miss Ed. He was always so good to us and our children. It was a true pleasure to know him and his wonderful wife. Sad to hear the news and know he is going to be missed by all that knew him.
Helen Follmer says
Dearest Mary and family, At times like this is it hard to find the right words to say how sorry we are at your loss. To me these are sad/happy times. Sad because you know and feel the loss of your loved one and now have only memories to pull you through the sorrow. And happy because your loved ones struggle is now over. No more pain and illness for them to bear. They are now in the arms of our loving Heavenly Father. They are young and perfect again and greeting those loved ones who went home before. May you remember the good times and stay strong until you meet them again in the hereafter. With love…Helen
John Watts says
Ed and my father, Jim Watts, were friends before I was born and remained so until my father’s passing in 1993. So, over the many years we got so see his family grow as well as his pride in his family. When I needed a fresh start and moved to Texas, Ed and Mary invited me to stay in their home for a time. That gesture turned out to be of great help to me and am eternally thankful to the Cooke family.
I will miss Ed’s sense of humor, spirited opinions and friendliness.
Heaven is a place that is greater and more wonderful than any human can imagine.
God Bless.
John Watts – Sugar Land, Texas
Patti (Green) Ireland says
My condolences to your family. It was wonderful to get to know Ed at Dad’s table at Extended Care. May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
Patti, for Lyla and Clifford Green
Jane Viall says
I’m certainly thinking of your family. Losing parents and grandparents is sad, even when you believe it is the right time. I pray for peace in your hearts.