God's finest miracle was given to Boston and Carrie Cooks on August 22, 1922 in a small town named Idabel, OK. The couple welcomed their first-born and named him Richard. Those who loved him affectionately called him Richard, later in life "President." He was one of six children born from this union, Curtis, Marvin, Opal, and Ophelia whom preceded him in death along with his parents. The baby girl of the family, Bobby Joe, currently resides in Panorama, CA.

He attended school in Idabel, OK. He met and married Isabel and to this union, three children were born, Eddie, Anthony, and Annabell. Isabel preceded him in death.

Richard made the decision to join the Navy, but before leaving, he met and married Lenova. To this union 12 children were born, two preceded him in death, Alfred Leon and Lenova "Nova." Their marriage lasted for 62 years, until her home going in 2007.

Richard joined Cleaves Memorial C.M.E. Church at an early age and remained a member. He was a member of the choir. He always said, "I know the good Lord and He knows me."

Richard enjoyed hunting. He was a member of The Coon Hunter's Association of Oklahoma. He was a avid horseman. He rode with the Okmulgee Round-Up Clubs #1 and 2 for many years. He traveled to rodeos until the 2010 rodeo season ended. He worked as a laborer in Local Union #1202 for more than 25 years, until he retired. During his many years in the workforce, he worked on projects such as Key Stone Dam of Sand Springs, OK and St. Francis Hospital of Tulsa, OK. Although his life appeared to be plain and simple, Richard's life was full of excitement and adventure. He enjoyed the simple things in life such as gardening, dancing, and a good game of dominoes. He never met a stranger. He also had a passion for being with his family.

Richard went home to be with the Lord on July 2, 2011. With great love and care surrounding him, he made that final transition to meet the "Good Lord." Richard, never wanting to be one to complain, went quietly and peacefully. The "President's" presence will be missed but never forgotten by those who loved him.

His legacy will live on through his sons; Eddie Cooks of Muskogee, OK, Anthony (Debra) Cooks of Las Vegas, NV, Richard (Gwen) Ardean of Okmulgee, OK, Dennis (Barbarbra) of Okmulgee, OK, Ralph Byron (Cherrie), Cecil (Angela), Stewart (Barbara Jean), Jerreld (Claudine) all of Tulsa, OK; and his daughters; Annabell Grimmett, of Broken Arrow, OK, Emma (Murphy) Jenkins of Tulsa, OK, Esther (Larry) Mitchell of Okmulgee, OK, Gwen Cooks, Renita Cooks of Tulsa and Eilene (Elrico) Collier of Tulsa. One sister Bobby Joe Cooks of Panorama, CA; one brother-in-law William Cottrell, one sister-in-law, Ruby Cottrell both of Okmulgee, OK, 56 grandchildren ; 100 + great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services for Mr. Cooks are scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Mr. Zion Baptist Church in Okmulgee, OK

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 8, 2011 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at House of Winn Funeral Home.