Donald Keith Cooke
March 8, 1940 – February 21, 2026
WENDELL – Donald Keith Cooke, 85, made his transition to his eternal home on Saturday, February 21, 2026. A native of Wake County, he was born on March 8, 1940, to the late Joe Vassor and Goldie Keith Cooke. Donald was a lifelong farmer and continued the family legacy of farming the homeplace in Wendell. He had a deep love and appreciation for farming that has continued the Cooke Farm legacy for nearly 200 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Edith Carroll Cooke; children, Donald Keith Cooke II (Charity), Annette Cooke (Regina) and Donna Jo Prudhomme (James, LtCol, USMC Ret.); grandchildren, Julianna Prudhomme, Dakota Prudhomme, James “Jay” Prudhomme IV, Makayla Cooke, and Addison Cooke.
Donald had a deep love of faith, farming and family. Quality time, hard work and lots of laughter was a daily event mixed in amongst the hard times, frustrations, and toils of farmlife. Donald’s happiest times were enjoying a southern BBQ chicken meal, driving his tractor and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He passed peacefully from his earthly home to his eternal home surrounded by family and close friends. It was a sweet time of reminiscing, singing old gospel hymns, and tears of love and gratitude.
The Cooke family will receive friends for visitation from 7:30pm – 9:00pm on Monday, February, 23, 2026 at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 West Third Street, Wendell, NC 27591.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday at Central Baptist Church, 11109 Poole Road, Wendell, NC 27591. Interment will follow in the Central Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church: Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com.
9 Comments
Thoughts and prayers are with Edith and family. Donald will definitely be missed. He was a thoughtful and loving cousin. ❤
I’m so sorry for your family as I know how you loved and cared for each other. I always loved Mr. Donald and Mrs. Edith and enjoyed our conversations. I know you have had a special place in mom and dad’s heart. Sending prayers and love!
My condolences and prayers are with you and your family
Edith, you have been such a faithful, diligent and loving wife and caring for Donald! Npw you have a personal angel caring for YOU.
Keith, we here at the City of Raleigh, East Raleigh Repair Operations Facility in Wendell are very saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Please let us know if you need our assistance in any way!
Edith, Annette,Donna Jo,Keith and all family members. My deepest condolences to all of you during this time.
Sending our deepest sympathies to the whole family. May God comfort you all.
~ Vikki, Thomas & Melanie
Our deepest condolences to Edith and family. Sending prayers for healing and comfort in.this sad time.
We were saddened to learn of Donald’s death and disappointed that we were not able to attend his service. His place in our community will be missed for sure, as he has been a part of an era that is quickly fading. We always respected his steadying presence in any context where we met him. He was trustworthy and had a keen wisdom that was evident in his words and actions — and humor. Great man! Good memories. Our thoughts and prayers are tuned toward the well being of the family in these times of adjustment. May your hearts be encouraged with faith, hope and the love you share together.
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