Donald H. Cook

First Sergeant (Ret) Donald H. Cook, 74, of Columbus, GA, beloved husband, father, grandfather, soldier and servant of the Lord passed away November 7, 2011, at Columbus Hospice House, after courageously fighting an extended illness.

Funeral services will be conducted by the Reverend Roy White, Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus. The family will receive visitors at 10:30 AM with services immediately following at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

He was born April 6, 1937 to George and Harriet Cook in Huntington, WV. He graduated from Huntington High School in 1956 and attended the University of Maryland. He was an Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He was a 30-year decorated veteran of the United States Army and served two combat tours in Vietnam. He was in the artillery, infantry and military intelligence. He was most proud to serve on the 10-man team for Operation Homecoming on the Philippine Islands when the POWs were released from Hanoi.

He was a member of Edgewood United Methodist Church and the Workers Sunday school class. He was a member of the Ft. Benning Masonic Lodge #579, Columbus Scottish Rite Bodies and a life member of the Noncommissioned Officers Association and VFW Post 565.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother AJ (Bob) Cook and sisters George Ann Cook and Rebecca Holbrook.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Sally Jean Clary Cook; his beloved Boston Terrier Katy; one daughter Denise Cook Lahrman and her husband David Lahrman of Powell, Ohio and his grandchildren Elisabeth, Rebecca and Jonathan Lahrman of Powell, Ohio; one son LTC (Ret) James David Cook and his wife Jill Cook of Leavenworth, Kansas and his grand dogs Fletch and Ella; his twin brother Ronald Cook of Proctorville, Ohio and his niece Beth Ann Holbrook of Charleston, SC; and his many friends, vets and poker buddies.

The family would like to thank the following people, Dr Michael Steinbook and staff; Dr. William Taylor and staff; Dr. Dan Kosobucki and staff; Dr. Andrew Pippas and the Amos Cancer Center staff; Cheryl Smith, Pat Godwin, and the caring people of Columbus Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your support of Columbus Hospice House at www.columbushospice.com or Edgewood United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6099, Columbus, GA 31907. Don will leave a legacy of love and laughter and will be greatly missed.