Stephen Marshall Cooksey

Stephen Marshall Cooksey, 75, was born in Terre Haute, IN, on June 27, 1950, and passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in Annapolis, MD surrounded by his family. Steve was a multi-sport athlete at Gerstmeyer High School in Terre Haute and earned a track scholarship to Indiana State University. While at Indiana State, Steve held the school record in both the High Jump and the Triple Jump. A two-time team Captain he was also selected as the Track Most Valuable Athlete and was the first ISU Division I Track All-American in 1972. Steve began his coaching career at Ball State University, Muncie, IN and remained there until he went to the US Naval Academy in 1984. In 1988 he was promoted to the Head Track and Field Coach, the position he held for 34 years. While at the Naval Academy, Steve was an Associate Professor in the Physical Education Department, twice being awarded the Superintendent’s Distinguished Athletic Leadership Award. He retired with 14 Patriot League Championships, the 1991 Colonial Athletic Association Championship and 5 Heptagonal championships including 3 straight years of Outdoor and 2 consecutive Indoor. Under his guidance, the Midshipmen won 23 of 34 dual meet competitions against Army, including 9 indoor and outdoor sweeps. In addition to his coaching at the Naval Academy, in 1998 Steve was named the head coach for the United States World Junior Championship and the 2008 U.S. World Indoor championship teams. He was inducted into the ISU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 2021. Steve was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was truly special and always treated everyone with the utmost respect. He had an amazing gift of inspiring those around him to reach their full potential. In his free time he loved exploring the world, playing golf, and listening to music, but above all, just spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mom, Lea Reyher-Long; his dad, Bill Reyher; Amelia and James Higham; his mother-in-law, Agnes M. Howe; and his brother-in-law, Mike Anderson. Steve is survived by his Wife, Valerie Cooksey; daughter, Brooke Mervine (Dave Visconti); sister, Kay Beehler; his brothers, Mark (Janna), Mike (Susan), Kehrt (Marzenna), and Billy Reyher; his brothers-in-law, Cliff Howe (Mary Lou), and Woody Howe (Lisa); and Barbara Anderson; the Higham family; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. We are all feeling a deep sense of loss with Steve's passing but can find solace in the thought that if there was ever a man destined for heaven, it was Steve Cooksey. We will always be able to picture him smiling down on us with that wonderful smile and remember the true love he had for life that will be etched into our own hearts forever. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Neumann, Annapolis, Md on April 27, 2026 at 10:30 followed by a luncheon to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club.

Stephen Marshall Cooksey

June 27, 1950 - March 21, 2026