Stephen Henry Cook

Stephen “Steve” Henry Cook, 69, of Dallas, Texas passed away on May 27, 2024. Steve was born in Oklahoma City on August 28,1954, to Harlan Lloyd Cook Sr. and Charlotte Lana Amburn. Although he was an Oklahoma native, he was proud to spend the majority of his life in Texas.

Steve attended Pearce High School in Richardson where he flaunted his long locks and established lifelong friendships. During this time, he landed one of his first jobs working at IHOP, starting an enduring passion for cooking and funding his love of motorcycles. Breakfast continued to be one of his specialties; one of his favorite foods to make for his family was homemade French toast.

Soon after high school graduation, Steve met the love and light of his life, Kathleen Sue Denham. They tied the knot on 7/11/75 which in turn began a yearly tradition of getting free slurpees at the local 7-Eleven gas station. They enjoyed many memorable vacations, shared a love of animals, and cultivated their green thumbs together. Their love extended into their three children, Stefan, Jennings, and Charese. They were married over 24 years until Kathy’s passing in 1999.

Steve worked as an environmental services manager for Baylor hospital for decades, before starting his own handyman business where he showcased his ability to fix almost anything and displayed his meticulously honed painting skills. He then worked for Texas A&M where he proudly led an entire department.

Steve was an expert country and rock drummer and played in several Dallas-area bands and churches. He was also an accomplished chili cook, and loved hosting chili cook-offs and Dallas Cowboys viewing parties for friends and family. When he wasn’t cooking he was often fostering his life-long love of motorcycles, boating, and fishing. He would often take his loved ones camping and fishing where he enjoyed teaching his skills as a master angler to others. He could be heard quoting the proverb “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Steve is preceded in death by his son Stefan, his wife Kathy, and his parents Harlan Sr. and Lana. He is survived by his children, son Jennings (wife Rebecca), and daughter Charese. Older brother and idol, Harlan Jr. (wife Char) of Ocala, FL, older sister Christine Anguiano (husband J.R.) of the Colony, and younger sister Jenith Peterson (husband Jon) of Coppell. He shared family experiences over the years with his niece and nephews.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Friday, June 7th at Rhoton Funeral Home 1511 S Interstate 35E, Carrollton beginning at 11 a.m. The family will host a reception immediately following. An optional Committal Service will take place at Hilltop Memorial Park 1801 N Perry Rd, Carrollton from 1:30-1:45 p.m. where Steve will be laid to rest alongside his wife and beloved firstborn son.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to The Texas Music Project or The Dallas Arboretum in Steve’s honor.