Carleton J. “Cookie” King, Jr. (Capt. USN, Ret.), 83, died early Sunday, October 22, 2017, at Virginia Beach General Hospital. His death followed a short illness during which he was lovingly attended to by his family and friends.
Born on September 7, 1934, in Saratoga Springs, NY, to Carleton J. and Constance (Roddy) King, Sr., he was a standout high school athlete who aspired to a career in the US Navy as an aviator. He realized this dream, graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he married Joan Elizabeth Simon, of Ballston Spa, NY – perhaps his greatest achievement. Cookie King had a notable career as a naval officer after receiving his wings in 1958. He flew from aircraft carriers on oceans and seas all over the world, serving with several squadrons in the antisubmarine (VS) community, flying the S-2 Tracker, and later with the airborne early warning (VAW) community, flying the E-2 Hawkeye. He also served as the Flight Deck Officer of the USS Essex, Detailer for the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and, while an instructor in the Engineering Department of the Naval Academy, was awarded an MS in Personnel Management from George Washington University. While on the Essex, he was on the team that recovered the astronauts of Apollo 7 and later was the Plane Commander of the last aircraft to fly from the deck of the Essex before it was decommissioned. The proudest achievements of his naval aviation career came with the key leadership roles of Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of both RVAW-120 and VAW-124. Captain Cookie King was a well-respected and beloved leader, shipmate, classmate, crew member, and Cold Warrior; he was renowned for his charm, imposing 6’6” frame, off-color sense of humor, quick smile, short fuse, warm generosity, and big heart.
Following his 30 year career in the Navy, he worked as a recruiter for several real estate companies in the Virginia Beach area before his complete retirement. Cookie King’s professional pursuits were balanced with hobbies, community service, and life with his family and friends. He was an avid golfer, famous for his long game; while lettering in golf at the Naval Academy, he established a record for the longest drive that stood for decades. Cookie was a keen boater and could often be seen on the Lynnhaven River in his boat, the “Cookie Cutter,” with friends and family. He was an umpire for community little league baseball and often officiated on the same fields on which his sons were playing. He loved keeping up his lawn, grilling out, and his pet cockatiels. Cookie was also tireless in his role leading the St. Nicholas Catholic Church Golf Committee.
Following Joan’s death in 2001, Cookie remarried Ann McDermot Scaglione in 2005; Ann was a great comfort to him in his final years and she survives him. He is also survived by his children Carleton “Chip” King, III, Christopher (Susan Sanchez) King, Marguerite “Marghe” (Robert) Means, and Andrew King; his sister Constance “Connie” (James) Murphy; his grandchildren Cayce Means, Taylor Means, Austin King, and Isabel King; and 7 nieces and nephews, including Constance “Connie” Murphy Maddry, Colleen Murphy Columbo, and James “Jim” Murphy, III. Cookie leaves behind many loving friends.
Funeral services will be held on November 2, 2017, at 11AM at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Cookie’s remains will be interred in a private family service at the US Naval Academy Columbarium at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
“Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky. Be with them always in the air, in darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh hear us when we lift our prayer, for those in peril in the air!” The Navy Hymn
