Former Louisiana Congressman John Cooksey dies

Former Louisiana Congressman John Cooksey, who served in the U.S. Air Force, earned a master's in business administration and treated thousands of patients as an eye surgeon, has died. He was 80.

Cooksey, a Republican, served as the 5th District Congressman with Monroe and Alexandria as the population hubs from 1997-2003.

He limited himself to three terms in the House before making a run for the U.S. Senate, a race Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu won.

Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow's late husband Luke Letlow worked for Cooksey as his driver while Letlow attended Louisiana Tech University.

More: Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow returns to 5th District campuses on higher ed tour

"Louisiana has lost a selfless and dedicated public servant," Congresswoman Letlow, a Republican from Start, said in a statement. "During his three terms representing the 5th District in Congress, John Cooksey was a tireless advocate for our region, communities, and people.

"I’ll always be grateful to John Cooksey for giving my late husband Luke his start in politics, instilling a love for the work of Congress in an eager young country boy from Start. For me, he was more than a predecessor; he was a trusted mentor, confidant and friend.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ann, his family, and his countless friends across Northeast Louisiana."

Gov. John Bel Edwards said he will order flags to fly at half staff the day of Cooksey's funeral. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

“Former Congressman John Cooksey leaves behind a long legacy of service to our state and nation that will not soon be forgotten," Edwards said. "He has helped and inspired countless young people and worked hard to improve life for others. He served his country and his community in every way he could, from the Air Force to Congress to his medical practice as an ophthalmologist. Donna and I offer prayers and condolences to his family and all those he touched.”

Cooksey, whose medical practice was based in Monroe, was born in Alexandria and graduated from LaSalle High School in Olla, where his father operated a sawmill, according to his biography.

He earned his ophthalmology degree from LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans and earned his MBA from the University of Texas.

Cooksey also served in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Texas and Thailand.

Cooksey also volunteered in the mission field in East Africa, where he provided healthcare for six years and helped found an eye clinic in Kenya.

His race for Congress in 1996 was his first run for public office. He beat Democratic state Rep. Francis Thompson of Delhi in runoff for the seat.

“Doc was always looking for ways to help folks with their challenges whether he knew them or not,” said Camp Kaufman, who helped run Cooksey’s first two congressional campaigns and served as his communications director. “He wasn’t that way just when he was a member of Congress, he was also that way as a member of the community. There’s a hole in a lot of people’s hearts.”

Progressive Bank Chairman George Cummings was chairman of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce in 1996 when Cooksey won his first term.

"He helped build the Republican Party in northeastern Louisiana and lived a life of great accomplishment and public service," Cummings said. "His legacy will live on in the 5th District."

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1 

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Former Louisiana Congressman John Cooksey dies