Steve Cooksey

Steve Cooksey, 68, of Amherst, died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born February 20, 1952, in Pikeville, Kentucky, and had been an Amherst resident for the past 30+ years. Steve was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during Vietnam and was decorated with an Air Medal for heroism. He worked as the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services for St. Joseph Hospital for 24 years and had worked as the Director of Bio-Medical Services for Lorain Community Hospital. He was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Amherst, Wounded Warriors, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Steve loved being in the outdoors, bird watching, listening to classic rock, and hanging out with his family. He had a razor-sharp wit and fantastic sense of humor. He became a grandfather last year and it was the joy of his life. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Caroline (nee Edwards) Cooksey of Amherst; children, Kristen (Bryan) Hutson of Dublin, Benjamin (Karly) Cooksey of Amherst, and Elizabeth (Jordan) Newman of Stow; grandson, CJ Newman of Stow; stepfather, Woody Cooksey of Elyria; brothers, Jim Cooksey of Amherst, Mark Cooksey of Elyria, David (Kim) Kaminski of Elyria, and Brad Kaminski of Elyria; mother-in-law, Delores Campbell of Vermilion; brothers-in-law, Matthew (Karen) Edwards of Texas, John Edwards of Vermilion, and Eugene (Shannon) Edwards of Amherst; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Justice, his mother Laura Ruth (nee Thompson) Kaminski, father-in-law Eugene Edwards, and brother-in-law, Mark Edwards. The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to all of the healthcare providers and caregivers who helped care for Steve throughout the years - especially the team at the Louis Stokes VA Hospital spinal cord unit, Kingston of Vermilion, home health aides Kim and Jamie, and everyone else who helped him on his medical journey. His children wish to extend a special thank you to their mom, Caroline - Steve's loving wife and devoted caregiver who dedicated her life to caring for Steve and was the reason he was able to stay home with his beloved family. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be private. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery. It was Steve's wish to have memorial contributions made to the Second Harvest Food Bank on 5510 Baumhart Rd, Lorain, OH 44053, the organization that helps feed his neighbors. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.