Eldon Cooksey, an 89 year old Trenton resident, passed away at 4:20 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2020 at Wright Memorial Hospital of Trenton.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2020 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens of Trenton.  There will be open viewing from noon until 6:00 Sunday at Resthaven Mortuary of Trenton.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Green Hills Animal Shelter or Sunnyview Nursing Home and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

Eldon Dow Cooksey was born October 9, 1930 in Trenton to Alva Dow and Velma (Meyers) Cooksey.  On March 18, 1950 he was united in marriage to Retta Ann Huffstutter in Trenton. Eldon was skilled in many trades and crafts.  Over his working career, Eldon applied his talents and shared his knowledge with others. He began his working career at Nisbeth-Seidel, Bock Truck and Tractor, Huffstutter Auto Body, and Modine before owning and operating a gas station and later Cooksey Auto and R.V.  He also worked as a school bus driver, radiator repairman and was also proud to have been on the Trenton Police force.  In his younger years, he enjoyed stock car and go cart racing. In later years, he developed a passion for riding motorcycles and R.V. camping with Ann.  Eldon and Ann enjoyed square dance and were proud members of the Peppy Promenaders and Bethany Boots and Belles. He developed the character “Sam”, a hillbilly character he performed as comic relief for the square dance groups.

Surviving relatives include his son Mike Cooksey and wife Jane of Trenton, daughter Marilyn Wilken and husband Jim, daughter Connie Cross and husband Greg of Laredo, brother Donald Cooksey and wife Lena of Laredo, sisters-in-law Judy Klinginsmith and Zella Whitney, eight grandchildren: Jay Cooksey and wife Crislyn, Michelle Reed and Sam, Jada Hollinger and husband Dillon, Brian Frey and fiancé Amanda, Wesley Frey and wife Stephanie, Jacob Cross and wife Staci, Ashlea Watson and husband Travis, Ethan Cross and wife Hayley, 16 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his buddy Jack the cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.