Thomas " Tommy" Cooke Jr.

Thomas William Cooke Jr., lovingly known as Tommy, of Bowie, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Veterans Hospital in Tucson, just shy of his 94th birthday. He was 93 years and 11 months old. Tommy was born on February 6, 1932, in Tucson, Arizona, to Thomas W. Cooke Sr. and Opal Jeanette Wheeler. He spent his early years in Cortaro, Arizona, where he worked alongside his parents and four siblings at the family store and attended school in Tucson. In 1948, the Cooke family purchased a farm and made Bowie their home—a place Tommy would cherish for the rest of his life. After graduating from Bowie High School, Tommy attended Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, where he proudly played both football and baseball. His athletic talent earned him a contract to play professional baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but Tommy chose instead to serve his country. He joined the United States Marine Corps and fought bravely on the front lines during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954, carrying his pride in service with him always. Tommy was a charter member of the Willcox Elks Lodge #2131 and was deeply involved in his community. On February 16, 1951, he married the love of his life, Mickey. Together, they shared nearly 75 wonderful years of marriage and raised six children in Bowie, building a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work. A dedicated businessman, Tommy was a partner in Bowie Tillage Company and worked full time until the remarkable age of 85. His strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to family were an inspiration to all who knew him. Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Mickey; his children, Vicki (Greg) Schindler, Ginger (Jim) Cunningham, George Cooke, Troy (Elaine) Cooke, and Tomi D. Cooke; ten grandchildren; two great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas W. Cooke III; his parents; and his siblings, Doris Engler, Joseph Cooke, Phyllis Jones, and Joyce Cooke. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Desert Rest Cemetery in Bowie. A luncheon will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Bowie School gym. Tommy will be remembered for his ever-present smile, his infectious laugh, and his wonderful sense of humor. His warmth, kindness, and joy for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The family of Tommy Cooke would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Motorcycle Honor Guard, the Marine Corps, Dan Douglas, and Westlawn Mortuary, and most of all to the friends and family who attended Tommy’s graveside service. Tommy would have truly loved the motorcycle escort, the flags, and seeing each of you there, sharing your stories and memories. Thank you for the beautiful flowers, cards, and kind words. Your love and support mean more than we can express, and each of you is deeply appreciated and loved.

Thomas " Tommy" Cooke Jr.

February 6, 1932 - January 4, 2026