Cooksley Family Support
Donation protected
18 months ago Joe Cooksley found a lump in his neck and was quickly diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. He and his family packed up and moved to Texas where he underwent chemo, radiation and surgery at MD Anderson. Joe and his family returned back to Colorado a few months later with every hope of Joe winning the battle against this awful cancer. Unfortunately, just a couple of months later they received the horrible news that his cancer had metastasized. Joe proceeded with every type of treatment available to help slow the spread and he never wavered in his hope or faith that he could win this battle. On Friday, November 26, 2021, Joe lost his fight against cancer, leaving his family behind with shattered hearts.
Joe grew up in Florida with his mom, Mary Ann, and his dad, Mike. Joe has two younger half-brothers, Kagen and Nicholas, and a younger half-sister, Sara. At the age of 17, Joe begged his parents to join the Marines where he served for 6 years. He was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp and is a veteran of the Gulf War Era. After his time in the Marines, Joe went on to receive a bachelors and a masters degree in electrical engineering from California State University NorthRidge. He worked as a flight engineer, then a systems engineer on half a dozen military aircraft and other top-secret projects. Throughout his life, in his military service through his professional career, Joe worked to keep his country and all the people in it safe.
Joe and Kristen were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at a concert 20 years ago and within 2 weeks they were telling each other they loved one another. They lived all over the country together including North Carolina, California and most recently Colorado. They had 3 sons (ages 13, 11, and 8) and a daughter (age 5) together. Losing their father is not only devastating to his kids, but leaves a huge gap in their life. Joe had an amazing personality that was larger than life. He was always outgoing, always friendly, and always optimistic. They had a very busy household, but that never stopped Joe from caring and supporting others around him. Joe was always there for anyone in need.
Joe was taken much too early and unfortunately, they had very limited life insurance. We ask, as an expression of love and sympathy to the Cooksley family, to please consider contributing to their children’s future expenses and Joe’s medical expenses (medical bills, funeral arrangements, school expenses, mortgage payment, car payments, utilities, food, and all the expenses involved with caring for a household of 5 people).
Joe was a very kind, generous, and loving man who would do anything for those around him. Please hold your loved ones close as life is short and unexpected events occur. And most importantly, remember to be grateful for each moment you have together - even the mundane and challenging ones.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-8`
Joe grew up in Florida with his mom, Mary Ann, and his dad, Mike. Joe has two younger half-brothers, Kagen and Nicholas, and a younger half-sister, Sara. At the age of 17, Joe begged his parents to join the Marines where he served for 6 years. He was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp and is a veteran of the Gulf War Era. After his time in the Marines, Joe went on to receive a bachelors and a masters degree in electrical engineering from California State University NorthRidge. He worked as a flight engineer, then a systems engineer on half a dozen military aircraft and other top-secret projects. Throughout his life, in his military service through his professional career, Joe worked to keep his country and all the people in it safe.
Joe and Kristen were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at a concert 20 years ago and within 2 weeks they were telling each other they loved one another. They lived all over the country together including North Carolina, California and most recently Colorado. They had 3 sons (ages 13, 11, and 8) and a daughter (age 5) together. Losing their father is not only devastating to his kids, but leaves a huge gap in their life. Joe had an amazing personality that was larger than life. He was always outgoing, always friendly, and always optimistic. They had a very busy household, but that never stopped Joe from caring and supporting others around him. Joe was always there for anyone in need.
Joe was taken much too early and unfortunately, they had very limited life insurance. We ask, as an expression of love and sympathy to the Cooksley family, to please consider contributing to their children’s future expenses and Joe’s medical expenses (medical bills, funeral arrangements, school expenses, mortgage payment, car payments, utilities, food, and all the expenses involved with caring for a household of 5 people).
Joe was a very kind, generous, and loving man who would do anything for those around him. Please hold your loved ones close as life is short and unexpected events occur. And most importantly, remember to be grateful for each moment you have together - even the mundane and challenging ones.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-8`
Organiser and beneficiary
RJ Konsler (Brother-In-Law to Joe)
Organiser
Englewood, CO
Kristen Cooksley
Beneficiary