Carl Leslie Cook

June 1, 1941 – December 20, 2021

A life well lived.

Carl Leslie Cook, age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 20, 2021. Born in Baird, Texas, June 1, 1941, Carl Leslie was the son of Carl and Sarah Nell Cook who instilled in him an unwavering work ethic, a love of the land and a deep-rooted faith in Christ.

He moved with his family from their farm in Hamilton, Texas, to Garland, Texas, in 1955. Mr. Cook was a proud Garland High School Fighting Owl Alum from the class of 1959. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington and North Texas State University (NTSU), graduating from NTSU in 1963 with a degree in Accounting. In 1968, Mr. Cook earned a Master Electrician license and started an electrical contracting business in Garland – Service Electric Company. As a successful small business owner, Mr. Cook provided employment for hundreds of employees for over 30 years before retiring to pursue his true passion as a fulltime rancher in Edgewood, Texas. As a rancher, Mr. Cook loved tending to his land and caring for his animals. A true jack-of-all-trades, he built his farmhouse from the foundation up, alongside his father and his son.

Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Sarah Nell, and his younger brother Hugh Rich Cook. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Suzanne, his son Thomas and wife Sandra and his daughter Kelley. Mr. Cook has 4 grandchildren that loved their PawPaw – Katie Schafer and husband Bryston, Megan Chism and husband Chaz, Ryan Aven and Cole Pettit. He also leaves his brother, Ross Lynn Cook, and sister Retha Anne Jordan, and their families to cherish his memory. His faithful dog Lilly remained by his side to watch over him through his last days.

Mr. Cook will be laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony with family on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Mr. Cook’s family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, January 8th, 2:00pm – 5:00pm at his son’s home, 461 Christopher Court, Rockwall, Texas. Mr. Cook’s family expresses their deepest appreciation for all those who provided care and support in countless ways throughout his long hard fight with Frontotemporal Dementia. Mr. Cook wouldn’t want anyone to spend money on flowers for him, so the family suggests honoring his memory by making a donation to the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department, Good Samaritan of Garland or the Alzheimer’s Association. Mr. Cook quietly helped many people who were in need throughout his life, and he would love knowing that he was still helping someone who needed it.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Cook family.