Born on May 7, 1926 in Wichita, KS to parents, Ellis W. Cookson and E. Marie (Beaver) Cookson, Joe enjoyed life, living in various cities and eventually settling as a longtime resident of Holland, PA. He held a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs from George Washington University and a Master’s in Religious Education from Princeton Theological Seminary.
After serving with distinction in the US Army and Air Force (WWII and the Korean War), he had a varied career. Joe was integral in expanding the Babe Ruth Baseball League, an Assistant and Associate Pastor at Trenton Hungarian Reformed Church then North and Southampton Reformed Church, retired from the US Treasury Saving Bonds Division, and ran his own businesses.
Joe loved helping people and was involved in many service organizations in his lifetime, including but not limited to the Trenton Boys Club and USO Club, Jaycees, Kansas and New Jersey Masonic Foundations, Boy Scouts of America and Contact Helpline. He enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time at the beach with family and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by son Jay W., brothers George W., Raymond T. and Charles W., brother-in-law Joseph L. Piepszak, sister-in-law Joyce Cookson and goddaughter Marianna P. Beyer.
Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Emma E. “Bettie” (Nagy), sons Steven T. (Diane), David W., Jeffrey W. (Steven), daughter Kim E. (Joe) Garrett, grandchildren Dylan R., Alexis E. and Emaly M. Garrett, sisters-in-law Bonnie Cookson and Irene N. Piepszak, goddaughters Robin Muccia and Judith Payne, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.
Visitation is June 10, 10:00-11:00am at North and Southampton Reformed Church, immediately followed by a Service of Thanksgiving and interment at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North and Southampton Reformed Church, 1380 Bristol Rd, Churchville, PA 18966, or the charity of your choice in honor of Joe.
