In Loving Memory of John Cook

John Cook, 68, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma.

The viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Wilburton High School Auditorium with Mr. Darren Harber and Rev. Josh Bull officiating. Burial will follow at Degnan Cemetery.

John was born on February 2, 1954 in McAlester, Oklahoma. He married Ruth Gardner on March 24, 1978 in Wilburton, Oklahoma. They were married 42 years until her passing in 2020.

John had a servant's heart. He served in the United States Army from 1973-1977 and as a Wilburton Volunteer Firefighter from 1980-2002. He worked at Latimer County General Hospital for 25 years in housekeeping and as the maintenance department head, 15 years at Kiamichi Electric in dispatch and mapping, as an Emergency Medical Technician, a certified Red Cross CPR instructor, Custodian at the Latimer County Courthouse, and he was also the owner of Cook’s Cleaning Service. He served on many committees and boards including: Ki Bois Community Action Board of Directors-Chairman (1988-2022), Keddo Board, Latimer County Hospital Board of Directors (2010-2022), 911 Dispatch Board of Directors, Latimer County Board of Health, Robbers Cave Fall Festival Committee-Transportation Chair (1989 - 2022), OSU Extension Rural Development Advisory Committee (2005-2022), Latimer County Emergency Planning Committee along with being a voter precinct poll volunteer, a trustee at First Free Will Baptist Church, a Member of Disabled American Veterans of Oklahoma Chapter 20 Honor Guard, and a member of the NAACP of Oklahoma.

John was known for his kindness, his smile, and the genuine goodness that he showed toward all people. He loved his community, serving the Lord, and his family. John was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his sons: Joey Cook of McAlester and Jonathan Cook and wife, Jessica of Wilburton; daughters: Joanna Cook of Hollywood, FL and Jocelyn Cook of Norman; granddaughters: Eunissa and Eboni; grandsons: JoVohn, Jalen, Leroy, Bryson, and Christian; great-granddaughter: Tamzyn; special nephews: Michael Cook and wife, Latisha of St. Louis, MO and Mark Cook and wife, Jill of Raymore, MO; brother, Harry Cook; twin sister, Geri Cook; brother-in-law, Rodney Price and wife, Kathy; sisters-in-law: Victoria Gardner and Tennie Clark and husband, Randy; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Cook; mother, Easter Mae Cook; father, Joe DeGraftenreed; brothers: Willie Cook, Claude Cook, and Eddie Cook; and sisters: Shirley McNeil, Cynthia Cook, Donna Cook, and Betty Cook.