Michael Mike Cook

Michael Timothy Cook passed into eternal life Friday, April 21, 2017. He was the only son of George T. & Elsie S. Cook, born into this life December 21, 1949 in Houston, TX. He leaves behind the love of his life, Dianna McArthur Cook, two children Adrienne D. Villere & Zachary L. Cook and two sisters, Georgiann A. Crawford & Carolyn E. Cook.

Michael was blessed with a gift for creating laughter as well as a kind and giving soul, both of which he extended to so many throughout his life. He was the warmest and most wonderful companion to all that were blessed to know him. He made each and every one whom he embraced, feel special. At his core he enjoyed God’s grace and was a spiritual man, attending Seminary in Beaumont, TX for several years. Although he chose to not pursue the priesthood, his Christian tenets of service and helping his fellow man led him to other life pursuits and a career which made a difference in his community.

Michael’s intellect shone early. After leaving the Seminary, he graduated from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School in Houston where he made life-long friends and garnered math medals in school competition. He subsequently joined the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War where his strong math and science knowledge garnered him a highly technical Military Occupational Specialty of Weatherman. He reached the rank of Corporal and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal & Rifle Expert designation. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA and was, unfortunately, honorably discharged after a life threatening traffic accident. He came back to Houston and found the one true love of his life, Dianna “Peach” McArthur. In 1976, they married, and recently celebrated 41 years together. Michael & Dianna lived in Alvin, TX from 1978 – 2007 (29 years) and during that time raised two intelligent, resourceful & accomplished children, Adrienne & Zach (“A to Z in two children!”) In 2007, Michael & Dianna retired together to Frisco, TX.

Perhaps the greatest calling of Michael’s life came when he was accepted into the Houston Fire Department, serving his community for 33 years (1971-2004). He was a Pipe & Ladderman, EMT, Paramedic, Inspector, Dispatcher & Chauffer.

In 2000, Michael was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & Emphysema. In February of this year, he suffered a heart attack. While he was in the hospital in Frisco, doctors discovered he also had Congestive Heart Failure -- all of which ultimately took his life.

Michael was a BBQ chef extraordinaire, Federal Firearms Dealer & Concealed Handgun License Instructor, Chef, Fisherman, Builder, Mechanic and Gardener. He was envied by other men as a sublimely smooth dancer. He was a raconteur and jokester of epic proportions. His puns to this day are hilariously funny and memorable. He was a man that worked hard, but gave and loved even harder to us all. A phenomenal husband & father, he was treasured and much loved & adored by his friends & family. We should all perform so well for our families, fellow man and God! A Life of service, substance, import and impact – Michael Timothy Cook mattered dearly!

A military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Friday April 28th at 10am. To those attending the graveside service, please arrive no sooner than 9:50am we will be lining up in Lane A.

In lieu of any flowers, please make a donation in his name to the American Heart Association or Disabled American Veterans.