In loving memory

Meador Funeral Home – Whitesboro

Visitation – 

Thursday, September 28, 2023 – 1:00 PM

Meador Funeral Home

401 Hwy 377 North

Whitesboro, TX 76273

Funeral Service –

Thursday, September 28, 2023 – 2:00 PM

Meador Funeral Home

Interment –

Oakwood Cemetery

1394 W. Main St

Whitesboro, TX 76273

 

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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.