David Alan Cooke, 74, of Bluffton, S.C., formerly of Festus, died May 11, 2025. After graduating from Crystal City High School in 1969, Mr. Cooke served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War, both as a radio operator and on search and rescue missions, as well as a second tour in the early 1980s. He strove to be the fastest at Morse code. Following his military service, he enjoyed buying and growing small businesses. In 2010, he graduated as a respiratory therapist. He was known for his skills, quick calculations and his lab coat, which was embroidered with the catchphrase “Breathe, baby, breathe.” He will be remembered for his competitive nature, passion for negotiating deals and his love for his family, friends and playing sports. Born Feb. 1, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Harry and Marie (Cheznik) Cooke.
He is survived by his wife: Deborah (Steppleman) Cooke; four children: Heather (Tony) Comparato, Christopher (Nikki) Cooke, Wendy (Patrick) Hughes and Zachary Cooke; two stepchildren: Kristen (Matthew) Bradley and Kevin Higginbotham; 12 grandchildren: Alexandra, Andrew, Annabelle, Avalynne, August, Brooklynn, Halle, Bodie, William, Victoria, Ryan and Aaron; a sister: Gloria Rodgers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three siblings: Marion (the late Howard) Barbeau, Ronald Cooke and John (Madonna) Cooke.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, July 21, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. An open-house celebration of life is scheduled from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 21, at Royale Orleans, 2801 Telegraph Road, in St. Louis. Memorials may be made to the Coast Guard Foundation at coastguardfoundation.org.