Events
Visitation
Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 So) Sandy, UtahMonday Sep 30, 2024 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Funeral Service
Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 So) Sandy, UtahMonday Sep 30, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Interment
Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 So) Sandy, UtahMonday Sep 30, 2024 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Carlon “CJ” Cooke passed peacefully on September 18, 2024. He was born on May 9, 1936, to Irvin John Cooke and Novella Adams.
Carlon graduated from South High at the age of 17 and enrolled into the U.S. Army in 1954 where he played several sports, shot expert marksman, learned many life skills, and got to see Europe.
After his service in the US Army, he went on to Dixie College where he played football and met his lifelong soulmate and companion Mary Ann Lortz. They were involved in many school activities together and enjoyed the small-town atmosphere. On June 11, 1959, Mary Ann and Carlon "CJ" Cooke married in the Salt Lake Temple. He finished his education at the University of Utah, “GO UTE’S”! was his battle cry. They had two children who were their pride and joy, Casey and Chelsea.
His passion for his work and the outdoors were often seen in the many unheard-of programs he created with his staff for delinquent youth in the Salt Lake County system. He started as a juvenile P.O., worked his way up to Chief of Probation, as well as Director of Court Services. Dealing with the political side was not his favorite, so he was able to finish out his career in Utah County as P.O. again, which was his true love.
After his time at the court, he went on to learn different modalities of mind and body therapy. He melded all his experience for mental health therapy and had a large following that kept him doing what he loved.
He was preceded in death by his sweet wife “MAC”, both parents, and brother-in-law Robert Beckstead. He is survived by many who loved him including his two sisters, Carole Reid (Don) and Candyce Beckstead, his two children and their spouses, Casey and Heather Cooke and Chelsea and Jeff Goble, his 9 grand-children, and 7 great-grandchildren. He loved family visits and getting together for holidays and Christmas Bingo.
We would like to thank many who worked as his in-home caretakers, as well as family, friends, and VA in St. Geroge for their compassion and love during his illness. A special note to Eva Gonzales for her unwavering ability and caring.
There is a dress code for the service, CASUAL, and please bring your favorite cowboy or baseball hat for the graveside per his wishes.
A visitation will be held September 30, 2024 from 10:00-10:45 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy Utah), immediately followed by services at 11:00 AM.
To watch the service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Service" or follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81106976063
Video
Guestbook/Condolences
Jay and I have fond memories of Carlon and Mary Ann and family as neighbors in Sandy. Wishing you all peace at this time.
When I worked at the front desk of Treehouse in 2012, Carlon would come in at 9 am each morning and greet me with a smile and a fist bump. Even after I moved away, he was a dear friend to me for the rest of his life. I've never met anyone quite like him, and I learned so much from the way that he fought for the kids in his care and loved his family deeply. His life was a rich blessing to many people.
Such an amazing man and friend and counsellor to me. Loved this cowboy!!!
We called him 'doc' because he was always diagnosing and advising on our ills and needs emotionally and physically.
He taught me, but I never learned: "A man has to know his limitations"
We would sit in the hot tub at treehouse and share political views and how to fix America and at times when yelling matches flared up, the 'doc' would bring us back to rationality.
He helped me shoot my trophy buffalo that hangs in my cabin as a reminder of what a great friend and man he was to me and everyone around him.
We knew how much he loved his beloved wife and kids and he will be soooo missed.
God bless you doc and peace be unto you and your family as we know you are in a better place with our Lord watching over you.
Bud
ps. I wear your cowboy hat with great memories.
I love you, Uncle CJ! I wish I could have been there. You will always be a part of my heart and wonderful memories of my childhood. Thank you.
Big hugs and loves to all of my beautiful family. You are treasures to me.
CJ was a member of a local health club where I worked years ago. He and I had some great conversations, and I also had a session with him that included reiki and talk therapy. Although I haven't seen him in decades, I still have his business card, and I often remember how he pushed me to think and trust myself. I am close to finishing an MSW and LCSW, and I have thought about him often while working through this process. He is a piece of my LCSW with somatics and energy work practitioner journey. I am sure there are hundreds of stories of how he influenced young people to seek their potential. He is such a great person, and I know he will be missed by many.