Stephen Christian Cooke Jr.

Stephen Christian Cooke, age 34, passed away on December 29, 2025. He was born wild, chaotic, and loud on October 14, 1991, and lived every day of his life exactly that way. Stephen was, above all else, a devoted father. He loved his three boys more than anything in this world: Riley Dean Cooke (9), Skyler Michael Cooke (5), and Logan Caldwell Cooke (2). They were his greatest pride, his motivation, and the center of his universe. Stephen was welcomed into heaven with a huge hug and a joke from Gramps, Dean Caldwell and Great Grandma Melt, Arlene Melton was there to hold his hand and lead the way. Stephen is survived by his loving and caring parents, Tammi and Darrin Shope, and his father, Stephen Christian Cooke; Melissa Ridgway, the mother of his children; his siblings, Kara (John) Duty, Christina Cooke, Katherine (Jeremy) Donald, Joshua Shope, and Samantha (Jay) Modi, his grandmother, Gwen Caldwell; ten nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own; his aunt, Sherri (Darren) Reese; his uncle, David Caldwell; and two wonderful cousins he felt lucky to grow up with, Kevin Bowler and Kelly Reusser. Stephen also had aunts and uncles who loved him unconditionally and countless friends whom he considered family. He was rarely alone and was always accompanied by his faithful and beloved dogs, Macy and Zoey. Stephen lived life fast and hard—and he lived it fully. Always on the move and unmistakably himself, he could be found either in a tank top and flip-flops or dressed to impress in a fur coat and dress shoes. He had a way of making an entrance—you often heard him before you saw him—and he was never afraid to crack a joke, even if the timing was a little questionable. He didn’t know a stranger. Stephen made friends everywhere he went, arriving on his one wheel and usually leaving the same way. He called often, showed up even more, and made sure the people he loved knew it. He celebrated life loudly, boldly, and unapologetically. In his 34 years, he lived more life than most will ever be lucky enough to experience. Stephen will be remembered as charming, goofy, reliable, handsome, genuine, and stylish, with a heart of gold and a personality larger than life. His presence filled rooms, his laughter lingered, and his love ran deep. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Stephen’s memory to consider contributing to the college funds established for his three children. Donations may be made through Ugift529.com. Please be sure to contribute to each child’s individual account using their unique Ugift code — Riley: J66-54J, Skyler: R53-C1T, and Logan: 275-87X. Your generosity will help support their future academic endeavors. For additional information about Maryland529 plans, please visit https://maryland529.com/. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026. Details will be shared at a later date. Stephen’s legacy lives on through his children, his family, and the many lives he touched simply by being himself.

Stephen Christian Cooke Jr.

October 14, 1991 - December 29, 2025