Barry T. Cooke was born in Waxahachie, Texas on June 27, 1955 and graduated from American Technological University in Killen, TX with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation. During his senior year, he married Letitia Faught of Austin, TX, and together they had three beautiful children: Ashley, Justin, and Nathan.
Barry Cooke received his wings in November, 1979. During his 14 years as a Naval Aviator, he accumulated over 2,000 hours of flight time in the A-6 Intruder and was the recipient of numerous awards.
On February 2, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, VA-36 suffered the combat loss of an A-6E Intruder and its crew, Lieutenant Patrick K. Connor and Lieutenant Commander Barry T. Cooke, who were shot down off Faylaka Island. They flew from the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71.)
LCDR Barry T. Cooke's memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Bio and poem from LCDR Cooke's memorial service
Despite his tragic loss, and while he lived his life in service to our great nation, he was also a beloved husband and devoted father and is missed every day.
"There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country." – Nick Lampson
