Walter Cook

1944 - 2025

Walter Douglas Cook

1944 - 2025

- In Loving Memory of Walter Douglas "Doug" Cook

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Walter Douglas "Doug" Cook, who left this world surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 81.

Doug was born on February 26, 1944, in the small town of Milford, Utah, to Walter William Cook and Zoe Venice Rollins. After losing both parents at a young age, Doug was lovingly raised by his Aunt Bertha "Beetie" Cottrell, whose kindness and care helped shape the man he would become. A proud Milford High School graduate, Doug cherished his small-town roots and playing football as Captain of the team with his dear friend Doug Killam for their alma mater. Go Tigers!

A true patriot, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963 and served with honor at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. He completed a combat tour in Vietnam, an experience he often spoke of with deep pride and reverence. His time in service shaped his lifelong respect for fellow veterans-he never missed an opportunity to thank others for their service or to wear his own veteran apparel with pride.

While stationed in Texas, Doug met and married Joan Laverne Wood, with whom he shared two children, Doug and Keri. Although their paths later diverged, he treasured the summers spent with his children in Utah, cherishing every moment until the tearful goodbyes.

In 1983, Doug met his Forever Love, Sherry U. Crowley. She had three Amazing children of her own, James, Holly, and Joey Crowley. After four years of courtship, they married in 1987 and built a beautiful life together as they blended their families-raising five children with love, laughter, and strong values. Doug was a devoted husband and father, strict but fair, with a great sense of humor, and a heart full of quiet strength. He was able to gain custody of his two children full time which was an answer to his prayers. Together, Doug and Sherry created a home filled with adventure-camping, fishing, football games, and family barbecues were just a few of the moments that defined their journey with their five kids.

Doug spent over 30 years working as an inspector for Mountain Fuel, retiring with pride. After the children were grown, he and Sherry returned to small-town living, settling in Elsinore, Utah, where they found community and joy in clubs like the "Old Time Fiddlers" and "Rocky Mountain AV." Their time spent down south will always be special to them. They made many dear friends that filled their lives with joy. Whether four-wheeling through the mountains, singing with friends, or traveling the world with their children to places like Germany, Hawaii, France, Texas, Cancun, Many National Parks, and cruises. Doug embraced life with energy and love. He and Sherry were often visited by their children and grandchildren, celebrating many holidays and weekends at their home. Their grandchildren have so many special memories of their time in Elsinore, they were always welcoming to family that would come and spend time with them.

Eventually, they moved to Tooele County to be closer to their daughters and better medical care. Doug deeply valued family, and nothing brought him more joy than attending graduations, performances, weddings, births, or just spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished his time visiting extended family in Grantsville, especially his dear cousin Betty, and always appreciated the great haircuts from cousin Paul.

Doug will be remembered as a man of principle-strong, honest, loyal, and full of quiet wisdom. He instilled in his children the importance of accountability, integrity, and hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, and family that will live on through generations.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts and uncles, Sisters Ethel (Loy) Wheeler, and Alice Alley, Linda Merryweather, his nephew/best friend Mont Wheeler, and his niece Sandi Sherman. He has also lost many dear friends that made a huge impact on him. We expect a glorious reunion with so many that he loved dearly throughout his life.

Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry U. Cook; his daughters, Keri (Darren) Stone, and Holly (Michael) Rabanne. His sons, Doug (Heidi) Cook, James Crowley, and Joe (Chandra) Crowley. He was the proud grandfather of 27 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. His brother Scott Cook, brother in law Clyde Alley, and many Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel, 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah. Military honors will take place at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to come share memories and pay their respects.

Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated team at Veterans Affairs and the compassionate hospice workers who provided such loving care for Doug's end of life journey. We also want to recognize the selfless love and attention given to our dad by our mother, she rarely left his side. We are grateful for the loving care provided by Dr. Yogi Patell, Joe and Chandra Crowley, Michael Rabanne, and many more neighbors. Because of their assistance and love, we were able to enjoy many more precious moments with our dad at home; a place he always preferred to be.

It was a gift to be together as a family during his precious last days, and we are forever grateful for the kindness and support shown to us.

Doug will be deeply missed, always remembered, and eternally loved.