Richard Kissam Cooke

April 10, 2009 - April 10, 2009

Richard Kissam Cooke of Floyd, Va. Born at Ft. Sam Houston, TX on August 20, 1926. Died April 10, 2009 at Montgomery Regional Hospital. Son of Brig. Gen Elliot Duncan Cooke and Jackie Thompson Cooke. Richard served in World War II in the Merchant Marines, Army Air Corps, and Combat Engineers. He served two tours in the Korean War (with the 1st Cavalry and the 45th Infantry Div.), earning a bronze star and leaving the service as a Captain. He was most proud of earning the Combat Infantry Badge. Richard joined the CIA and was posted overseas several times, including Jordan during the Six-Day War of 1967, and Vietnam in 1974-5. Richard retired from the CIA after 25 years of dedicated service. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Sherman Cooke, his three daughters Cassandra Cooke, Circe Cooke, and Cybele Lane, sons-in-law David DeHoff and George A. Lane, grandchildren Ethan Thomas (“Tommy”) DeHoff, Allison DeHoff, George William (“Will”) Lane and Katriona (“Katie”) Lane, sister-in-law Margaret Bryan, nephews Chris (and wife Linda) Bryan, and Mark (and wife Susan) Bryan, and their families. Richard’s family is most grateful to Mary and Charlotte Austin for their compassionate care. Arrangements by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Cancer Society, or, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 1 Intrepid Square, West 46th St. and 12th Ave., New York, NY 10036.

Without Richard this world is a poorer place; but with him, Heaven is a better place. Strength and love.