Stanley D. Cook

1930 - 2024

Stanley D. Cook, 94, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at The Center for Hospice Care Esther's House in Elkhart.

He was born April 29, 1930, in Elkhart, Indiana to John & Florence (Sweazy) Cook.

He married Joan Barnhart on Jan. 19, 1951. She preceded him in death on April 18, 2015. Surviving are six children, Tonya Bontrager of Elkhart, Jana Cook of Wakarusa, Stanley (Jackie) Cook Jr. of Wakarusa, Steve (Barb) Cook of Wakarusa, Tom (Kim) Cook of Union, Michigan, Jeff Cook of Goshen; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and a special nephew who was more like a brother, Johnny (Nancy) Cook of Goshen. Also surviving is his brother, Richard (Dr. Diane) Cook of Elkhart, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother Gerald Cook and two sisters, Norma Schwalm and Betty Sailor.

Stan graduated from Concord High School in 1948 where he played baseball and batted .567 in his senior year, ran track, played basketball and could have gone to Ball State on a scholarship. Stan served in the U.S. Army as a medic during the Korean war and was honorably discharged in 1957. He enjoyed meeting up with his Army buddies every year at their reunion in Fort Wayne and was member of the DAV.

Stan was an avid Chicago Cubs Baseball fan and enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Stan enjoyed helping the less fortunate.

At the age of 18, Stan delivered milk for Cook's Dairy which was owned by his father. Stan was the owner of the Stanley D. Cook Insurance Agency for many years. Chris Wallace was the secretary there for over 30 years, and Larry Moore helped keep his insurance business going for the last five years. He was a great friend.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Stan's friend and care giver Margaret Timmons and a thank you to Dominga, Iris and Denise from Firefly Home Care for the loving care they gave to him.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 a.m. until service time at noon at Waterman-Westbrook-Clouse Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 21,. Pastor Jacob LaBounty from the Zion Missionary Church will render the graveside service at Prairie Street Cemetery immediately following the visitation, all are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions may be given to The Center for Hospice Care Esther's House in Elkhart or the Zion Missionary Church in Elkhart.