Cooksey McLeod Humphrey
The Shreveport Times, 12/14/2008

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Funeral services for Cooksey McLeod Humphrey, 85, will be held at Airline Baptist Church on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 10:00 am under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Chad Grayson, pastor of Airline Baptist Church, assisted by Rev. Harrell Shelton, associate pastor of Airline Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Hill Crest Memorial Cemetery, Haughton, LA. Visitation will be Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 6-8 pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City, LA.

Cooksey McLeod Humphrey was born June 21, 1923 in Magnolia, AR to Louis and Pet (Cathey) Humphrey and passed away December 11, 2008. He lived in Shreveport and attended Alexander Elem and Byrd High School until he moved to Bossier and attended Bossier High School graduating in 1941. While there he played all sports, lettering in each one including boxing.

He and his father played professional baseball for the Plantar's League where Cooksey played catcher. In 1941 Cooksey began a lifelong career as an engineer with the Illinois Central Railroad. Upon the start of WW II, he served in the US Army and drove the trains across Europe.

Upon returning home, he met his wife of 61 years, Martha Southerland Humphrey. During his 43 years with the RR he served as chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Board for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, both in Baton Rouge and Washington D.C. He was recently honored by the B of LE by being awarded the Brass Bell for his 60 years membership. This has only been awarded four times in the history of the B of LE.

Cooksey was a member of the Martin McClanahan Lodge, The Shriners where he served in the Clown Unit and the Royal Orders of Jesters and served as Impressario. Cooksey was an avid golfer. He was a member and deacon at Airline Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, Martha he is survived by his four children; Bruce Latshaw (Carol Wilson), Colette Benge, Cherie Rogers (John) and Louis Dell "Buster" Humphrey (Shannon Rahm Humphrey); also grandchildren, Gordon Benge, Carole Beth Swan, Holly Latshaw, Ian Krauel, Eric Krauel, Kaleb Humphrey and Jacob Humphrey; great grandchildren, Adam Landry and Cooksey Swan, Madison, Noah, Ainsley and Potter Krauel and great great grandchild, Braiden Landry.

Pallbearers will be Mike Murray, Larry Harrell, Kevin Simmons, Brian Furqueron, Trey Pittman and Raymond Aycock. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of his Sunday School class and the members of the Monday Nite Dominos Club, (Charles Anderson, "Red" Smith, Travis Harrell and Nelson Young).

The family would like to express a special thanks to those that gave special care to Cooksey during his brief illness, Dr. Danny Payne, Ruby Coates and Danita and Shelia of Hospice of Shreveport-Bossier. Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Bossier Chapel (318) 746-2543