George E. Cook of Starr, Ohio went to his heavenly home on March 25, 2019. George was born December 23, 1923, in Hocking County, to Bertie and Thomas Cooke. He married Wanda Lucille Williams on September 5, 1942. Wanda passed shortly before their 65th wedding anniversary.
George and Wanda had five children, Ronald Eugene Cook, George
Robert (Cathy) Cooke, James Edward (Beth) Cooke of Fairfield County,
Larry Eldon (Pennie) Cooke of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Judith K.
(Edward) Goshe of Tiffin, Ohio; grandchildren, Nicholas (Starleen) Goshe
of Rangely, Colorado and their children, Chloe, Kiley, and Seth; Sonya
(Matthew) McCarthy of Grove City, Ohio and their children, Nora and
Nathan; Jason (Sarah) Cooke of Charlotte, North Carolina and their
child, Bodhi; Ryan Cooke of Charlotte, North Carolina; Troy Cooke
(deceased); Cody Cook; Dustin (Tina) Sanborn of Grove City Ohio and
their children Skyla and Mayci; Jarod Cook; and Tanner Cook. He had 10
siblings and a half-brother, Viola, Eunice, Mabel, Edna, Elmira,
Bernard, Calvin, Dale, Ed, Herman, and Johnny Wayne; and many nieces and
nephews.
George wore many hats including patriot, loving husband, supportive father, builder, scholar, gardener, musician, and sportsman.
As a patriot, he was a World War II Veteran and saw combat in
the Philippines and Japan and was also a cook in the Army. A WWII
documentary on the history channel shows two men climbing onto a carrier
with guitars and backpacks on their backs. These two men were George
and his best friend. The hardships that he endured were such that he
would not even talk about the war until he was 76 years of age. One
hardship was seeing his best friend die in the war. George was one of
the lucky soldiers that came home in one piece with only a few scars
that remained with him for life. Before being drafted into the war he
served in the Civilian Conservation Corps working in places such as
State Parks and Hoover Dam.
George was a loving and supportive husband and father. He and
Wanda took excellent care of their children and set good examples for
them. The children were often told, “Treat others as you want to be
treated.” and “Always leave a place as good or better than you found it
and absolutely no littering.” He worked every day while Wanda kept an
immaculate home. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. She made sure
that her husband and children had well-balanced, healthy meals
everyday, slept in clean fresh beds, and wore clean well pressed clothes
each day. George and Wanda always had time to help their children with
homework. When their daughter could not comprehend fractions like why
was 1/8 larger than 1/16, George brought out a freshly baked chocolate
cake with chocolate frosting (his daughter’s favorite). Cutting the cake
into 8 pieces and then into 16 pieces and asking his daughter whether
she wanted 1/8 size piece of cake or 1/16 size piece. His daughter
immediately grasped fractions.
George was always a scholar and loved learning. If he needed to
solve a problem he would research until he found the answer. He never
had a chance to finish high school even though he did very well in
school. As a young teenager he did dangerous work in the coal mine to
help his family. After getting back from the war, he was able to enroll
in International Correspondence School and polish his skills as a
builder. He would study late at night or early in the morning even
though he worked a full-time job. He learned algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, how to read and make blueprints, and architecture. He did
graduate from the International Correspondence School with excellent
marks. The skills that he acquired from the International Correspondence
School and working for other builders served him well. He built several
homes in the area and did extensive remodeling, including his home with
Wanda. They tore down an old house for the lumber and cut limestone for
the chimney and the fireplace. They mixed their own plaster, which is
still in tact today, and did all of their own interior work.
George and Wanda always had a large garden and preserved enough
vegetables, fruits, jams, and jellies to last the whole year. He
continued his love of gardening until his passing
George and his sons enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips.
George was an excellent musician and taught himself guitar and the
harmonica and had a good singing voice. He helped entertain fellow
soldiers while he was in the Army.
Mary Rowland was Dad’s beloved companion during his later years.
Since they were close in age they shared many of the same memories.
George will be missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service was held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 29,
2019 at Heinlein-Brown Funeral Home, Logan, Ohio, whith Rev. Dr. Randy
Hardman officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation to a
charity of choice.