David J. Cooke was born July 30, 1897 in Grouse Creek, Utah to James and Frances Harriet Toyn Cooke. He grew up in Box ElderCounty and was a rancher and farmer.

He married Sarah Pearl Haws, on September 17, 1919 in the Salt Lake LDS temple. After his marriage he relocated to Salt Lake City, where he worked several years with Kennecott Copper  Corporation and then at the LDS Church Administration Building where he prized his association with church general authorities. The 17th Ward of the Salt lake Stake was home for 40 years of an exceptionally happy marriage. He was an example of faithful activity and service in his numerous callings. Innumerable days were spent at the temple, whose spires could be readily seen from the windows of his home. His estate was small, but the heritage he left was priceless.

They had one son, James and three daughters, Jean, Lonnie Rae, and Merle.

David J. Cooke, 89, died Wednesday, January 28, 1987 at the Heritage Convalescent Center in American Fork, Utah and is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.