Donald Mook

Donald "Don" Mook, a proud marine and smooth-talking gentleman with an unforgettable sense of humor, left us on July 11, 2025, while making sure there was still a little bit of spicy chaos left behind. Born in Hilliard, Ohio on April 6, 1957, Don was the kind of man who could make you laugh until your sides hurt, all the while staying as stubborn as a mule when it came to his passions.

Raised with the values of hard work and camaraderie, Don served honorably in the marine corps, proving that he could tackle both the battlefield and the local workout at the YMCA with the same relentless enthusiasm. He was indeed so active that grass would often look up at him and think, “Damn, there he goes again!” With a personality that could light up any room and charm the socks off anyone he encountered, he was the kind of friend you could always count on for a good chuckle.

Don loved his friends, especially his best friend of 30 years Greg Hayes, and was frequently seen hanging out with the folks at the VFW, perhaps relaying the latest in his comedic repertoire or sharing wild stories. He enjoyed life fully, embracing every moment like it was his last.

He is survived by his daughter Lauren (Michael) Keaton, and his son, Matthew Friedrichs, his siblings, Marla Miller, Richard (Kathy) Stark, Dicksie Stark, Shelly Stark, Jason (Nicolette) Stark, special niece Lelia Farley, niece Heather Miller, and countless nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his father, William Mook, his mother, Mary Stark, his brother William Mook, and his sister Rebecca Johnston, who are undoubtedly shaking their heads and chuckling at his antics from the great beyond.

As we remember Don, let’s toast to the man who made life a little more colorful, a lot more laughter-filled, and infinitely more interesting. His jokes may fade away, but his spirit will remain, always keeping us on our toes.