Lester V. Cooke, 96, of Ellensburg died Thursday in Kittitas Valley Community Hospital. He was born January 27, 1890, in a house on the banks of Coleman Creek north of Ellensburg. He parents were early Kittitas Valley pioneers Mode and Isabella (Fulton) Cooke.
After graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1910, Mr. Cooke entered Washington State College, where he received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1914. While attending school he was well known as a sprinter and competed in track events, attaining undefeated status.
He married Mary B. Edwards in Drain, Oregon, in 1917, and they farmed in Fossil, Oregon, until 1928, when they moved to the Kittitas Valley to establish a farm. He first wife died in 1931.
He married Gladys (Thoman) Haskins in South Cle Elum June 14, 1935. She died in 1960. Mr. Cooke later retired and moved to Ellensburg.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a brother, Francis Cooke of Prescott, Ariz.; two sons, William Cooke of Spokane and Charles Cooke of San Mateo, Calif.; two stepsons, Keith and Kenneth Haskins, both of Wenatchee; eight grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery.
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman
