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 follow this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81106976063