Mr. Curtis J. Cooks was born on June 13, 1928 to Boston and Carrie (Childs) Cooks in Idabel, Oklahoma.

He accepted Christ during his senior years and would often voice thanks that the "Good Lord" had let him see another day. He attended school at Northwest High School in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and entered the service during World War II.

He served in the United States Army and obtained the rank of Private First Class. His military decorations included the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan); World War II Victory Medal and Lapel Button. He was honorably discharged at Camp Stoneman, California on October 30, 1947.

After service, he took flying lessons at the Okmulgee Airport and attended GI school, specializing in carpentry and automobile repair.

He married Miss. Dorothy Lee Sheppard of Lawton, Oklahoma and they settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were blessed with five children and the family enjoyed traveling, visiting relatives and friends. Curtis worked as a steel grinder for Big Four Foundry in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 20 plus years.

In his spare time, he enjoyed baseball, boxing, football and hunting. He also enjoyed automotive repair and lawn care. He worked on cars and mowed lawns until his last illness. He was affectionately known as the neighborhood "Shade Tree Mechanic" and "The Lawn Man". He was a mentor to all who would listen. He always told his children "That it was ok to give out but don't give up when things get tough".

Curtis passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 (Pearl Harbor Day) at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was blessed with 82 years of living.

He is survived by one brother, Richard Cooks of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and one sister, Bobbie Jo Cooks of Denver Colorado. He is also survived by four children, Staff Sergeant Lonnie L. Colbray, U.S. Army (Retired) and spouse Nora of Hermiston Oregon; Lieutenant Colonel Les Cooks, U.S. Air Force (Retired) and spouse Doris of Rockwall, Texas; Jeanetta Carrie Cooks of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rose Marie Meyers and spouse Darnell of Houston, Texas; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Boston and Carrie), spouse (Dorothy Lee Sheppard), daughter (Darline Jones), two sisters, Ophalia Cooks and Opal M. Cooks; one brother, Marvin Cooks, Sr.

He was a father, mentor and friend. He has completed his last mission with dignity and honor.

You may visit Mr. Cooks, as he slumbers at the funeral home in Muskogee on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., followed by the Wake, where family and friends will share memories and remarks from 5:00 PM until 7:00 P.M.

The Graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson. Reverend John Anderson will officiate. The funeral cortege will leave the funeral home on Tuesday at 12:30 P.M.