Obituary of Harold S. Cooke

Harold Skeen Cooke, 92, of Twin Falls, Idaho, took his last long breath on this Earth August 13, 2017. Harold was born on September 16, 1924 in Twin Falls. He was the sixth child of eight born to Sabra (Skeen) and Joseph Cooke. He married Raeola Ford on May 19, 1946. While renting a small house in Twin Falls they had two sons, Ron and Randy. After building their dream home they had their third child Nancy. Harold and Raeola spent the rest of their lives in this home and made many wonderful memories with their children. Harold enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 in 1941, lying about his age. He spent three years in the South Pacific as a Gunners Mate (twin 40 MM guns) on board the USS Pringle DD 477. After his discharge from the Navy he returned to Twin Falls and Married Raeola. He became one of the best mechanics with Union Motors and then Bill Workman Ford. Customers would ask for Harold to do their work, knowing they would get a square deal. He could often diagnose the problem simply by listening to the engine run. After 30 plus years of being a master mechanic he retired, but continued to work part time for Latham motors and Avis transporting cars. He spent a lot of his time off fishing and hunting, teaching his sons. He had numerous fishing holes, some of them secret. He enjoyed fishing with anybody including teaching his grandkids how to catch the whoopers. Harold is survived by sons, Ron Cooke and wife Sue of Troy, Kansas; Randy Cooke of Nampa, Idaho; daughter Nancy Cooke Burton and husband Don Burton of Prescott, Arizona. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Angie Cooke Hendrix, Rachel Burton Durrant, Jeremy Cooke, Joseph Burton, Paul Burton, Michael Burton and Mathew Burton and 16 great grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Raeola, four sisters and three brothers. In Lieu of flowers a much needed donation to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org) would be much appreciated. A graveside service will be held on Thursday August 17, 2017 at 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.