Judson Cook

Judson Cook was a friend. Everyone he met during his 90 years would admit that he was a loyal and faithful friend, focused on the needs of other people, committed to his wife of 65 years, Wanda, and his children, Melanie and Jonathan. His legacy is one of having loved and served God with all his heart. He made a difference in the lives of thousands of people by making sure Oklahoma Baptists had what they needed to care for children. He was a gentle man in every way, always the peacemaker and caregiver to any who were in need. He was a wonderful model of a husband, father and grandfather. Millard Judson "Jud" Cook was born June 28, 1919 near Fox, OK, and passed away December 11, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Wanda. They married January 23, 1944 while both were students at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is also survived by a daughter, Melanie Coldren of Edmond, her husband Mike; son, Jon of Edmond, his wife Sherri; five grandchildren: Katie Morris, her husband Michael; Amy Coldren; and Emily, Michael and Matthew Cook. Judson is the last surviving of nine brothers and sisters. Judson held degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For over 40 years he served Oklahoma Baptists in a variety of positions. He pastored churches in Tussy, Pernell, and Roff. In 1949 he joined the staff of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, where he devoted nearly 40 years of his life. He served as Superintendent of Boys Ranch Town, Edmond. He was the Business Manager of Falls Creek Baptist Assembly, Davis, OK. Most of his career as a denominational leader was with the Department of Child Care. As Field Representative and later Director of Public Relations & Development, he worked tirelessly, making sure that children and adults who were cared for by Oklahoma Baptists had everything they needed. In retirement he enjoyed his own business, Cook Institutional Development Services, Inc. He went on, in retirement, to direct the $25 Million Campaign for the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma. He was founder and president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives. That organization honored him in 1984 with the Lifetime Achievement Award and as Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year in 1985. Oklahoma Baptists also recognized his remarkable life, naming a cottage after him on the campus of the Baptist Children's Home in Madill, OK. In 2004 he was named a Centennial Hero by the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. He was a long-time member of the Downtown Rotary Club #29 and a Paul Harris Fellow. Judson and Wanda have been members of Oklahoma City's First Baptist Church for over 60 years. Judson has always been proud and grateful for a wonderful church home full of lifelong friends. The family encourages you meet them for visitation December 14, 2009, from 6-8pm at Hahn-Cook Street & Draper. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Judson Cook will be December 15, 2009 at 2pm at First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City or Baptist Homes for Children.