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Clement Fredrick Cooke
Born: 10/11/1924
Died: 4/8/2024
Age: 99
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Clem Cooke, age 99, of Grand Blanc Township, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024. He leaves us to celebrate his life and cherish his love, generosity, and many contributions.
Clem was a lifelong citizen of Flint growing up on the east side in a home on Indiana avenue. He attended Homedale Junior High School and graduated from Flint Central where he starred in basketball. However, his career was cut short when he suffered a broken finger falling out of bounds and being stepped on by a lady's high heel during a game at IMA auditorium.
Upon graduating Clem enrolled at GMI institute, but soon after WWII began. He joined the Navy where he trained as a radio operator on PBY submarine patrol planes flying out of the Aleutian islands, in Alaska.
He returned to Flint after the war, continued his studies at GMI, and soon married his long-time sweetheart Maxine. They were married for 62 years.
After graduation from GMI, Clem began working as a engineer and cost estimator at the AC company where he spent his entire career, until retirement. During that time, he and other work friends formed a chapter of Big Brothers. He was president of the organization and was quite proud to spend time attempting to mold and enhance the lives of many young men.
The Salvation Army Church was an integral part of Clem's life. He was very much involved in the design and construction when the Army built its present facility. He was a drummer in the brass band for 50 years and was also involved in leading bible studies, teaching young people how to play the drums, and coaching young people's volleyball and basketball teams. Nurturing young people was very important to him. During the Christmas holiday season, he would spend evenings counting money as it was returned from the Army kettles.
Clem and his family own a cottage on Lake Huron, originally built by Maxine's parents in 1957. While still working, he would make the three hour trip almost every Friday night during the summer to join his family, returning to Flint on Sunday. He always enjoyed and later in life cherished the times he spent there. Whether it was teaching kids how to waterski, presiding over the Oscoda "Summer Olympics" or beating his son and others at golf, even after retirement he loved the relaxation and joy it offered. The last few summers he treasured the days, simply sitting on the deck in the sunshine, watching the water, and entertaining the many neighbors and friends who would stop by to chat.
Clem will always be remembered for his unfailing humor, his great kindness, and hugs. His cheerfulness and patience endeared him to those who knew him even slightly. His generous nature will be truly missed by family and friends.
Clem is survived by his children Lucinda Cooke and Leonard (Patricia) Cooke; grandchildren Jennifer (Patrick) Kovalan, James (Kerry) Gray; and great grandchildren Caitlin, John, Riley, Liam; and sister Barbara (Harry) Brocksieck.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Lily Cooke, brother William Cooke, and wife Maxine Cooke.
A funeral visitation for Clement will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E Hill Rd, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM at The Salvation Army Flint Citadel, 211 W Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48502. An interment with military honors will occur Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Sunset Hills Cemetery, 4413 Flushing Rd., Flint, Michigan 48504.
Contributions in Clement's memory may be made to Abbey Park of Grand Blanc ; and the Salivation Army. |
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| Visitation |
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4/19/2024 |
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4:00 PM |
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| Funeral Service |
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4/20/2024 |
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12:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Salvation Army Flint Citadel
211 W. Kersley
Flint, MI Get a Map to this location...
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