Melvin "Jack" Cooke, Jr.

Melvin “Jack” Cooke, Jr, 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 11, 2021, at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He was born to Melvin “Jack” & Etta Ruth Cooke on August 18, 1948 in Brownsville, Texas and lived most of his life in Harlingen.

Jack was a 1966 graduate of Harlingen High School.  Immediately following graduation, he began working with Western Electric.  In 1967, he enlisted and began his four-year service in the United States Marine Corps. In 1971, he was honorably discharged from the USMC and resumed his position with Western Electric.  In 2000, Jack retired after 34 years, having worked with AT&T under the company names of Western Electric, AT&T, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and SBC. After retirement, Jack worked as an independent engineering contractor for AT&T.

His favorite hobbies included working on computers, hunting, fishing, working on cars, woodworking, and just about anything else that involved working with his hands. He truly was a “jack of all trades”. He knew how to do just about anything, and he would do anything to help others. He also loved riding his motorcycle with his friends, especially when taking long rides to Sturgis. However, what he loved most was spending time with his family.

Jack was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Harlingen and served in many different roles and ministries. He radiated his Christian faith to everyone he encountered; he leaves behind a legacy that his family will forever cherish.

Left to treasure Jack’s memory is his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia Cooke; daughters, Cathy (Jeff) Wynn and Jennifer Cooke; five grandchildren, Chanise (Joe) Wynn-Martinez, Jaedon Wynn, Amaryst Wynn, Camdon Jack Wynn, and Anthony Andrade; and two great-grandchildren, Brecca and Jack Martinez, all of Houston, Texas.  He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Priscilla Sue Cooke; his parents; brothers, Michael Owen Cooke and Terry Wayne Cooke; and, several aunts and uncles.

The Cooke family will receive friends and relatives Friday, October 15, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. On Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Chapel A of the funeral home, the American Vietnam Veterans, Chapter 1 Honor Guard will render military honors. Following the military ceremony, a Celebration of Life service will take place with Rev. Chris Hall officiating.  Funeral services will conclude at the close of the service.