Richard Frederic Cooke

Richard Cooke is survived by his wife, Rhonda Cooke, his two daughters, Jessimae Keen, Sheila Engel, his two grandchildren, Maelynn and Harper, his mother, Betty Rose Cooke and his sister, Jill Carpenter and family, his brother, George Cooke and family, his deceased brother, David Cookes family, his bonus daughter, Heather Fowler and grandchildren.  

Ricky, Rick, Captain or Cookie was a hard working, big hearted man. He loved his family and community. He lived to serve others. He was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, however when he and his family moved to Cedar Key they became locals or old timers. He moved to Cedar Key in 1975 when he was 10. 

Rick was a farmer of the water.  He was an oysterman, a clammer, and he spent every summer in Alaska from May to August to Salmon fish. Through helping others learn to be an oysterman or woman, a clammer or  salmon fisherman, he was able to share his love of the water with them. Many new comers looking for work were always sent to Rick, proving his committed love of people.

Rick was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig disease on November 19, 2020. On Thanksgiving day I asked him to be my husband.  When asked if I was sure i responded “I would rather spend a minute as your wife than no minutes at all.”

He fought this disease like a champ and never gave up.  

Ricky will be joining Heaven with his brothers, Tommy and David, his father George, his Aunt Mae and other family members. 

You were an amazing son, brother, husband, father,  grandfather, uncle and friend to many people.