Ernest Cookerly

Ernest S. Cookerly became deceased on September 20, 2010, age 93. Born in Baltimore on September 10, 1917, where he resided until 1941. His father, Ernest W. Cookerly, a railroad engineer, became deceased in 1926, leaving his widow and 3 children. Ernest was the oldest at age 8. His mother, Christine (Stoll) and siblings have predeceased him. Economically disadvantaged, he sold newspapers until age 11, when he qualified to be a golf caddy and did that until age 14, at which time he obtained a job with a now defunct department store. No matter how little, the income was needed to help to keep the family together. He attended evening classes at Baltimore Polytechnic High School and finally graduated in 1939 and moved on to the Maryland Institute of Art evening classes in 1940. He lost a lot of time from school due to the fact that he worked his way up in the decorating department to become a full-time window decorator, and much of their work was accomplished in the evenings. However, he persisted and finally succeeded in graduating Drafted in August, 1941, he served in Panama and the southwest Pacific from New Caledonia to Buna, Finchaven, Hollandia, and finally Luzon to Manilla. Discharged as a captain in 1946, but remained in the Reserves. Under the GI bill, he was able to attend college and matriculated at Washington College in February 1946, graduating from Western Maryland College in September, 1949, and the University of Maryland School of Law in 1950. Having accomplished 7 academic years in 4 ½ years. Shortly after graduating from Law School, he was recalled to active duty. He spent some time at Fort Meade and then was transferred to the General Staff at the Pentagon. He was selected to escort Sen. Milton R. Young, N.D. and Gen L.L. Williams to Korea to investigate field commanders complaints about a shortage of ammunition. He met his wife, Marie, while stationed at the Pentagon. Discharged from the service in 1953, he moved to Chestertown and served as Washington College’s first director of Public Relations for 2 years. At the conclusion of his contract with the college, he joined the law firm of Carvel and Rasin. Richard Carvel retired and eventually, George B. Rasin, Jr. became the judge of the Circuit Court, and Ernie, as he was known, engaged in the practice of law since 1955. In more recent years, he was joined by his son, Richard, and R. Stewart Barroll. During his long career as an attorney, he served on many Maryland Bar Association committees and engaged in various and sundry civic matters. He also taught Business Law at Washington College for several years. In addition to which, he served as the County Attorney for Kent County for a number of years and the Chief Trial Magistrate prior to reforming the Court system. An avid golfer, he has played courses on the east coast from Pine Valley, NJ, to Sawgrass, FL, and traveled abroad on 3 separate occasions with the Hargadon’s to play courses in Ireland, Scotland and England. For all the thousands of rounds played, he only had one ace. He was also a dedicated waterfowl hunter and spent many happy hours with his good friend, the late David A. Bramble, in the blinds on his farm, sharing their values, experiences and memories. A long time communicant at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, he served as a Sunday School teacher, Lay Reader, Vestry Person, Senior Warden and was an usher until shortly before his demise. He is survived by his wife, Marie, of 56 years, two children, Richard, and his wife, Janet, and Susan, and her husband, Patrick, and two grandchildren, Julian and Sage. Services will be at Emmanuel Church, Chestertown, Maryland on October 1, 2010 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Ernest Cookerly

September 10, 1917 - September 20, 2010