William W. Cooksey

Columbus - A memorial service for William W. Cooksey, 92, of Columbus, formerly of Utica, will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica.

Bill died April 9, 2011 at Riverside Hospital in Columbus following a short illness. He was born September 25, 1918 in Utica to the late George and Grace (Neighbarger) Cooksey.

He was a machinist who retired from Cooper Bessemer in Mt. Vernon after thirty-six years of service, and also owned and operated several businesses in Utica where he lived and worked all his life. He was a World War II veteran and served overseas.

He was a fine, loyal and honest man with a zest for life. He worked hard, loved and supported his family and friends and was loved and supported in return. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, bird-watching, good stories, good food (especially a good breakfast), the Cleveland Cavaliers and a good laugh. He leaves a host of friends, neighbors, nephews and nieces who will miss him dearly.

Bill is survived by his two sisters, Ada Thompson of Utica and Alice Lange of Newark; brother-in-law, George Whittaker of Columbus; daughters, Marion Cooksey and Jeanne Grothaus, both of Columbus; son, Ross (Lori) Cooksey of Utica; two grandchildren, John (Mary) Grothaus of Reston, VA and Leslie Grothaus of Stanford, CA; a step-granddaughter, Karen Curtin of Columbus; and special friend and caregiver, Cyndi Bertolotti-Clark.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Emily (Whittaker) Cooksey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, 1100 Dennison Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Law-Baker Funeral Home is assisting the family with the service.

Visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com to extend condolences to the family.