David Wesley Cookson

David Wesley Cookson, 68, of Clayton, North Carolina passed away on May 19, 2017 in Greensboro, North Carolina. David was born in San Francisco, California to Mary and Edward Cookson during March of 1949. He went to school in Nevada. He was married to Mildred Fuentes during January of 1971 in Fort Ord, California. He attended Northwestern University and Texas A&M University. He worked as a Police Officer for El Paso, Texas for twenty-four years. He was a Veteran of the US Army, US Navy and US Air Force and served in Vietnam and Iraq. He worked as a Safety Specialist for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for twenty-three years of Federal Service. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Texas Faithful Service Medal, and Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. David (Dave) served his country for many years and the awards are too numerous to list. One special award he received was for Policeman of the Year for 1990 due to his acts of heroism and dedication. He was the Director of the El Paso del Norte Pistoleros which he thoroughly enjoyed. He and his wife spent many weekends entertaining the crowds while providing an education of the Old West. He also participated in reenactments with the Tom Mix Rangers of Virginia. Dave is preceded in death by his mother and father. Dave is survived by his wife Mildred Cookson, his daughters Jennifer Cookson-Ring and Christine Cookson, his son David Cookson II, his son-in-law Andrew Ring, and his grandchildren Jacob Ring and Alyssa Cookson. The family of David wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nurses of Kindred Hospital Greensboro for their dedication and desire for his speedy return to health. They also wish to thank the Clayton, North Carolina paramedics who fought tirelessly for him on the first night of his illness. Visitation will be Saturday June 3, 2017 at 11 am at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US-70 Business Highway West. Funeral services will be held at 12 pm after the visitation. Arrangements are by McLaurin Funeral Home.