Stephen Saint George Cooke

Stephen S. Cooke, 89 of Ronceverte, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at home. Born February 25, 1927 in Sanford FL, Stephen was the son of the late John Gordon and Agnes Rigg Cooke.

Stephen, known to everyone as “Steve”, grew up in Snowflake, West Virginia and attended Greenbrier High School before enlisting in the Navy at the end of WWII. After returning from military service he graduated from Alderson High School and went on to become one of Greenbrier county’s best auto mechanics after graduating from Nashville Auto Diesel School. Steve was selected to teach the first auto mechanic’s class when Greenbrier East High School opened in 1968. While teaching he went on to obtain a Vocational Teaching Bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology. Steve always pursued excellence in teaching kids and his crowning achievement came when his students competed in the National Plymouth Trouble Shooting contest in Dallas Texas.

Steve was an avid runner, cyclist, tennis and ping pong player, canoer and lover of the Greenbrier River and often competed with those 20 year his junior. Faithful to his church, Trinity United Methodist, he became deacon of the balcony in his later years. Of all that Steve accomplished over his life as a husband, father, teacher, leader and friend his impact can be summed up as confidant, spiritual advisor and hero to many. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Sue Cooke of Ronceverte; Sons, Stephen Brent Cooke (Spouse Sheila Gallion Cooke) and Timothy Cosby Cooke (Spouse Tonya Rice Cooke); Grandchildren, Rachel Nicole Van Buren (Spouse Rodney Van Buren), Evan Rigg Cooke, Taylor Steelman, Dr. Tommi Jean Cooke and Tia Alise Cooke. Great Grandchildren, Ava Grace Van Buren, Alba Leto Bumgardner and Arley Griffin Grubbs.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 am on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor David Stilgenbauer officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 6pm - 8pm at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte.

WALLACE & WALLACE FUNERAL HOME IN RONCEVERTE IS IN CHARGE OF ARR