Russell Todd Cooke

Russell Todd Cooke, born October 11, 1949, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Robert Lawrence and Laura LaVaun Cooke, has gone to roam free with the spirits of the buffalo on October 31, 2025, at 4:44 p.m., at his home in Hansen, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Russ spent his early childhood in Santa Monica, California with his parents and brother, Bob and sister, Gelene. 

He spent his summers with his grandparents on the farm near Castleford. Russ would hang from the loop on his grandpa's bibbed overalls which earned him the nickname "Hook". If he wasn't hanging from his gramp's overalls, he was out playing with his toy tractor, where he would plant beans in the morning and take them back out of the ground in the afternoon. 

At 18 years, he enlisted in the United States Army, doing basics in the U.S. and was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a frontline heavy equipment operator, clearing jungle brush to the make the way. He made his way back home in 1971, eventually landing in Idaho.

In May of 1972, Russ became a proud “Pops” to his son, Nathan Cooke. He was the apple of his dad’s eye, and they had adventures and journeys and treks of life together.

During the 70’s, Russ lived his life by his rules and on “Cooke Time”. Russ enjoyed spending time in the desert and the woods, hunting rocks and treasures from a time long ago. His hobbies of carvings, ink sketches, rock hunting, woodworking and being a solid male figure and influence on his nephews and always willing to lend a hand or a “cow for a BBQ”.

Russ made so many great lifelong friends, loved playing cards, getting together and hanging out and taking long trips to the desert. These are some of the fondest memories his friends and family have and it’s a generational love of rock hunting that has been passed on.

In 1998, Russ met Barbara, the one he would spend the rest of his life with. They spent close to 30 years going on some of life's greatest adventures together. In 2002, they moved to Gooding, Idaho, where they managed a motel and many rental properties for the next 10 years. During that time, Russ had to have heart bypass causing him to slow down his everyday way of life. 

In 2012, they bought a home in Hansen, Idaho to be closer to family. Until his passing, Barbara was by his side caring for him through all of his health issues until he took his last breath. 

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, both siblings and so many “Brothers”, military and non-blood alike, and few good dogs.

He is survived by Barbara of Hansen, Idaho; his son, Nathan (Angela) Cooke of New Mexico; and three grandsons, 2 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews who will miss him terribly.

His service will be held November 25, 2025, at 11:00 am at Farmer Funeral Chapel with Military Honors to follow at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery at 12:00 pm (Noon).

Gathering of friends and family to follow directly after.

“See ya when I see ya!” ~ Russ

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Russell's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.