John M. Cook, age 74, of Marion, died Sunday afternoon, March 17, 2013, at the Arbors of Delaware following an extended illness.
On May 9, 1938, John was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Carlton and Clarabell (Hunt) Cook. He was raised in Waynesville, Ohio, where he graduated from Waynesville High School in the Class of 1956.
Following high school, John enrolled in a cadet program, attending two years at Wilmington College, then joining the U.S. Air Force. He served for three and a half years, and returned to college where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Education.
One day in the library at Wilmington College, John met his wife to be, Ethel Rudd. Soon thereafter, they were married on January 22, 1958. They cherished their 55 years together.
In the fall of 1965, John and Ethel moved to Marion, Ohio, where he began working at Taft Middle School. It was during this time John used his summers to earn his Masters in Library Science at Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. He made the most of his 27 years at Taft as a librarian, instilling confidence and providing opportunities for all of the students who came to his library. He retired in 1992.
Always keeping busy, after retiring John owned and managed 12 apartment units, which gave him an endless list of projects to tackle. After selling the apartments in 2008, he delighted in being the handyman for his family and friends.
Having a heart of gold, John lived a life of giving. He gave of himself to the four daughters he adopted, to the children at Taft Middle School, and to anyone else he found was in need.
A man of faith, John was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church.
John will be missed by his beloved wife, Ethel Cook of Marion; four daughters: Regina White, Ann (Kevin) Sliker, Jennifer Willis, and Michelle Cook; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; a sister, Janet (Jim) Daxon of Mount Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
The Cook family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, with Rev. David Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church and Marion General Hospital Hospice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder is honored to have been chosen to serve John’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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