John Cook

John Phillip Cook, 75, died Monday, July 13, 2020 in Columbus, Georgia, with his family at his side. He was the devoted husband of over 30 years to the love of his life, Nancy. John was born February 11, 1945 in Oklahoma, the second son of Edward Tiffin Cook, Jr. and Mary Regina Eagan Cook.

After graduation from the University of Oklahoma with an MS in Library Science, John joined the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and served his country in the Vietnam War. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as a Captain. After his military service, John worked for the Department of Defense for over thirty years as a professional librarian, serving the Army and army families at numerous posts in the United States and Germany. His last post was at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he retired in 2005.

John loved to travel, he loved to cook and read, and he loved a good conversation. He was always positive, always enjoying life, and always ready for the next adventure. He loved his church family at St. Peter United Methodist Church, his Silver Sneakers classmates, his friends and fellow librarians around the world, and his neighbors. Above all, he loved his family and devoted himself to his role as husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He will be missed, but he will continue to be a guiding light to his family and example of strength, integrity and love.

John is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Walton Cook, and their granddaughter and ward, Natalie, whom he absolutely adored, step-daughter Amanda Parish, and her husband Terry, of Niceville, Florida, his sisters, Dr. Eileen Cook of Austin, Texas, Kathryn Abbott and husband Danny, of Gracemont, Oklahoma, and Anastasia Cook of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Edward and Scott, and his step-daughter, Jennifer Harris.

A memorial will be planned once the Covid 19 restrictions are lifted. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Peter United Methodist Church, 6507 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909 or to any charity of your choosing.