Passed away October 16, 2020. Graveside service Friday, October 23, 2020 at 11:00 am – Cleveland Memorial Gardens 4324 South Green Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44122.

Alan Cooks   July 22, 1965—October 16, 2020 Alan Cooks, age 55, unexpectedly “fell asleep in death,” October 16, 2020, after years of health problems. Alan was born July 22, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio to loving parents, Elijah and Jeanette Cooks. He is survived by two beloved sisters, Pamela Price (Eric) and Jennifer Parker (Kenneth). He further leaves to mourn a niece, Bethany Sophia Parker, nephew, Nicholas Elijah Parker, as well as much-loved aunts, uncles, cousins and a large crowd of spiritual brothers and sisters.

Alan had a “knack” for electronics, and as a child enjoyed taking clocks apart, then putting them back together in perfect order. He was an early graduate of Max Hayes Technical School, thereafter, working in machine shops and for Lincoln Electric.

He loved collecting model cars, many displayed in his showcase at home. He had a passion for motorbikes and classic cars into his adult years, especially those “classic Mustangs.” His childhood love of mechanics grew and he quickly learned to repair both cars and engines.

Alan had a zest for life, a love of food, especially if it was called “fast.” He was athletic, keeping physically fit, ‘pumping iron’ in gym workouts. His social routine included Sunday bowling and eating out with exceptionally supportive ‘brothers.’ He was a natural comedian, enjoying many a laugh or joke with family and friends. His wide and infectious smile would glow like sunshine.

Alan demonstrated his greatest love September 17, 1983 when he dedicated his life to Jehovah God and underwent Christian baptism. This important step led to many enjoyable privileges in the Mt. Pleasant Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. There, his kind and generous nature proved to be a blessing to all who knew him.

He enjoyed many spiritual privileges in serving others as a ministerial servant, meeting attendant, supporting maintenance and repair projects, and recently assisting with food deliveries to needy families. His speaking and teaching abilities were used to build up the congregation with assignments that included public talks. 

His willing assistance did not go unnoticed especially when offering to help parents, even awkwardly holding their babies, at times, attempting to calm them down. 

His life was by no means trouble free. In 1995, he survived a major life tragedy. An automobile accident that nearly took his life, but left devastating effects for 25 years. Alan had to deal with changing medications, seizures, and hospital emergencies. Through it all he tried to remain positive and referred to it as a “wakeup” call.

He said he began to see Jehovah in a different light, a God he would never leave. He wondered what Jehovah thought of him before the accident, and made up his mind to do as much as he could to help others spiritually. He often referred to the Bible as his “manual” for life. 

His courageous spirit, no doubt inherited from his Mom, moved him to speak boldly to any and everybody about Jehovah and the blessings of his Kingdom. He was privileged to teach a childhood friend about the Bible’s promises and joyously observe his baptism as a dedicated servant of Jehovah.

Alan especially appreciated the love, dedication, and example of his parents. He would say, ‘Mom and Dad took care of me, and I’ll take care of them. I will never leave them!’

His spirit was positive, happy, and focused on God’s promise of a restored earthly paradise, filled with obedient humans in perfect health. He knew God’s Kingdom would come, and his will would be done “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Alan is now safe in Jehovah’s memory, awaiting resurrection to trouble-free life in God’s peaceful new world. We look forward to seeing his infectious smile again, glowing like the sunshine.

Acknowledgements:

The family of Alan Cooks expresses deep appreciation for the loyal love you’ve shown by calls, visits, cards, prayers, and so many acts of kindness.

Humbly submitted by the family.

“Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning, And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.”

—Isaiah 26:“Jesus said to her: ”Your brother will rise.” John 11:23