Darrol Steven “Steve” Cooksey, 85, of Salina, Kan., passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Bogue, Kan., on December 8, 1937, to George and Alice (Teter) Cooksey.

Steve was united in marriage on May 23, 1959, to Karen Dunning in Bogue, Kan. He was a grain elevator manager in Bogue for 8 years and in Palco, Kan., for many years, before retiring as a purchasing agent for Classic Cable in Plainville, Kan. He was active in the Palco United Methodist Church serving as treasurer for many years and was secretary for Palco Lions Club for many years.  After moving to Salina in 2002, he became active in the United Methodist Church of the Cross in Salina, helping with many community and funeral meals and serving as treasurer and teaching the “Been there, Done that” Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Karen; daughter, Merlene Talley of Solomon, KS; grandchildren, Mikayla Knipp of Salina, Mikeal Knipp of Andover, his wife Alicia and their children Kynleigh and Avery, Myron Knipp and his wife Donna of Salina, and their children Mia Hanson (Matt) and Destiny Hegedus; his brother, Martin Cooksey of Dillon, Montana, and several nephew and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vernon “Cork” Cooksey, and Alfred “Buddy” Cooksey; and sisters, Clyta Cooksey and Josephine Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023, at United Methodist Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush St, Salina. Friends and Family are invited to “Cookies with Cooksey’s” following the service.  Burial will be at a later date at Wildhorse Cemetery, Bogue, Kan.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of the Cross, or the Palco Lions Club, care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.