It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis Robert Cook, born Dec. 14, 1949, who left this world on Sept. 25, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, whose presence brought joy to the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dennis was born to Lee and Lois Carrigan Cook in Tioga, TX. He grew up in Collinsville and was the middle of three siblings. His childhood was filled with hunting and fishing.
Dennis grew up in Collinsville, TX, and graduated in 1967. At one point, Dennis considered playing shortstop for a minor league baseball team, but he decided he needed to start working. He worked for LaDue Sprinkler Systems for 33 years, until he suffered a back injury. He then started selling barbed wire plaques and buying and selling things to make ends meet, which eventually led to Cook’s Main Street Mercantile in downtown Whitesboro.
Dennis described himself as a simple man. In his young adult life, he had one job and one wife of 33 years. He had a happy marriage to Betty Davis before she passed away of a brain tumor. Betty told him to find a good Christian woman because he could not live alone. That was so right! Laura did not know Dennis, but she knew his kids. They married on April 6, 2003, and just celebrated twenty years. Together, they have a large family. Dennis’ many names are dad, Papa, Pop or Pop pop, Papa D or Paw Paw.
Outside of his work, Dennis had a passion for building and fixing things, fishing, golfing, and racing. He was known for being a walking miracle. After numerous heart attacks starting in his 50’s, he was put on a heart transplant list. While waiting on a heart, he became sick and received a left ventricle assist device or a heart pump. Many never knew that he wore batteries in his pocket and recharged batteries every night. This past January, he has been on the LVAD for 5 years and tried to live life to the fullest. Dennis loved witnessing to everyone about his journey. He cherished moments spent with family and friends, and believed we all have an appointed time. He often asked people, “I am ready to go, are you?”
Dennis is survived by his wife, Laura Cook; 5 Children: Gina and Tim Turner; Russell and Trina Cook; Stacy and Rob Alexander; Alan and Amanda Meek; and Amber and Brian Young. 14 Grandchildren: Tyler, Nicole, Rachael, Abby, Jesse, Kristin, Trey, Nathan, Ryan, Ashlyn, Katlyn, Jordyn, Bailey, and Weston; and 6 great-grandchildren: Jamison, Faith, Paul Robert, Marylee, Deacon, and Kaxton. He is also survived by his sister, Pam, and lots of extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Whitesboro volunteer fire department, in memory of Dennis’s dedication to their cause.
Dennis will be deeply missed by all who know him. His legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance will continue to inspire us. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the remarkable life he lived.
Funeral services honoring Dennis’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday. September 28th at Meador funeral home of Whitesboro. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held for friends and family on Thursday beginning at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
So sorry to hear about Dennis. Had many good times playing golf with him.
There is no doubt that he will be missed immensely. God bless and be with the family.
We are so terribly sorry for your loss. Your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss
Prayers for comfort
Dennis Cook, you are missed.
I have fond memories of our time together in school.
Laura, we are so sorry for your loss. We pray and ask for God’s comfort for you and the family.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength and understanding.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I loved working with Dennis all over Texas.
We are so very sorry to hear of your families loss! Your family is in our prayers!
So very sorry for this loss. He sounds like a wonderful man.
My heart goes out to you laura and all the family. i love you and you will be in my prayers.
I am so very sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I am forever grateful that I got to know him. I know your hearts are broken. Prayers for peace and comfort and knowing that Dennis is comfortable molete and whole once again in the arms of his Savior.
Laura & family,
I’m devastated for you. I’m praying for you continually. Dennis was a wonderful guy. Sorry I can not be there for the services. I had knee replacement surgery on 9/18, so not able to be there. My love & prayers are with you all.
Patricia (Chilcutt) Mesker
So enjoyed visiting with Dennis at the store. He was always cheerful and inspired me with his positive attitude after all he had bern through with his health.
Am praying for those who loved him especially Laura.
Jimmy and I were so honored to know Dennis and be a part of his journey! He was so happy and kind to everyone he met! I will miss my surfer Santa so much and know God has a special job for him now. Love you all and will be praying for comfort and healing for each of you. Laura I love you so much!
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh what a gentle and wonderful spirit Mr Dennis had. I always enjoyed being around him. Love you all so much.
I’m truly so sorry to hear about Dennis. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
Laura I was so shocked to read this. I’m so so sorry for you and the family. Stay strong my friend.
It saddens me to hear the passing of a true friend at heart, Dennis Cook ! May all our prayers bring peace for Laura & families at this time of need.
To Laura and all the family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Prayers of peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Much Love,
The Cogburn Family
So sorry for your loss
Dear Laura and family, we are so sad to hear of the loss of Dennis. We send you our love, and prayers for the peace of Christ to surround you in the days and weeks ahead. If you need us, you’ve only to call. Love, MarChessa, Karen, Debra and Wilma
So very sorry to hear this. Dennis was a great man and I am so glad to have met him and do business with him. He will be dearly missed. ❤️
Dennis you were always laughing always. You were a red headed Ray of sunshine. It has been a joy knowing you. Can’t wait to see you in Heaven again.
Dear Laura & family,
Our hearts are broken, Jimmy and I loved Dennis. He was one of a kind! We love you, we are here for you. You all are in our daily prayers. May you have peace and comfort in Jesus arms.
Laura so sorry to learn of your great loss. Prayers for you and the family.
Tammy and I loved getting to know Dennis and Laura when I was the pastor of the Belmont Baptist Church in Denison. Dennis will surely be missed. He was very encouraging to us. We will be praying for Laura and the rest of the family.
We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. Dwayne and I are keeping you all in our prayers.
Laura , I am so sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you
We are so sorry for your loss. When my son was visiting from Alaska we brought our grandson Ryker into Cooks. He started collecting coins and Dennis was so helpful, they had the best conversation about coins. The nicest people. He will truly be missed.
I’ll be missing you here Dennis Cook!
I am so sad to hear of his passing!! Thoughts and prayers to all.
I’m so sorry to hear about Dennis. I was in his graduating class and always looked forward to seeing him at our class reunions. I’ll always remember him for his kindness and smile. Praying for your family at this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Dennis for many years and will miss him for his great humor and the love for his family. Rest in peace my friend,
Laura & Family,
So sorry to hear that Dennis had passed. But thank God we know where he is, safe in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Many memories of him growing up. Praying for you Laura that God will comfort you in the days, weeks and months to come, that He will lead and guide you and keep you in His arms.
Rick & Betty Sutton (Betty Carrigan)
Rest In Peace 🙏
Laura,
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. You are in my prayers.
Love you my sweet friend.
Laura & family: We’re so very saddened not to be able to wrap you up in hugs of love & comfort in your time of need; please know our family has all of yours covered up in prayer & hopes of solace & relief from the Good Lord above. May the great memories of 20 years & more shine a light on the legacy lived in love, laughter & caring for a lively large family. Love to All Always–Nancy & Shannon, Mary & family
Great man to know. So glad he touched my life. Was honored knowing him.
He was a good friend to my husband and myself.
Laura, so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Laura, having just learned of Dennis’s death I want to let you know that my first memories of Dennis are from when his family still lived in Tioga and playing summer baseball. His family later moved to Collinsville and just across the street. Dennis was always full of fun and his parents were special too. See you later Dennis when we are totally in His presence.