Earl H. Cook

Earl H. Cook, age 77, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September
11, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1947, to Earl Henry and Delores Ann (Bly) Cook. On
June 10, 1972, Earl married his best friend and the love of his life, Joyce (Anderson) Wilkins of
Tecumseh, and together they shared more than 50 years of love, laughter, and devotion.
Earl lived a life marked by loyalty, kindness, and humor. His sharp wit and easygoing spirit made
everyone around him feel welcome, valued, and cared for. He was deeply committed to others,
always sacrificing his own time and energy to help, encourage, and uplift. He carried a lifelong
thirst for knowledge, and when he learned something new, it was often with the intent of helping
or teaching someone else. Though he was exceptionally smart, he never made anyone feel less
than. Instead, he was patient, gentle, and committed to lifting people up.
Earl proudly served his country as an Army infantryman and communications specialist in
Vietnam. He went on to build a 36-year career at Ford Motor Company, while also dedicating
much of his life to his greatest passion outside of family, sports.
Summers for Earl were spent on the ball field. He played in weeknight softball leagues,
weekend tournaments, umpired countless games, and even helped build a softball program at
Tate Park. He continued to coach Little League long after his daughters stopped playing, later
guiding both women's and men's teams, and eventually coaching his granddaughter as well. In
recent years, he found immense joy watching his granddaughters and even his
great-granddaughter carry on his love of the game.
A true sports enthusiast, Earl was rarely without the day's sports pages in hand, faithfully
reading both the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News. Whether at home or traveling, he kept
up with local sports and was unwavering in his loyalty to his favorite teams, the formerly
Oakland now Las Vegas Raiders, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Tigers. He was also well
known for keeping track of every team in Lenawee County, especially when it came to Clinton's
competitors. Earl was a huge Clinton High School football fan and attended as many games as
possible, proudly cheering on his hometown team.
His love for sports extended far beyond the field and into every aspect of his family's life. Earl
was his grandchildren's biggest fan, no matter what sport they tried. He loved watching his
grandson wrestle, compete in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and run track. From his lifelong favorites of
softball, bowling, basketball, and football to new interests like soccer, wrestling, and cross
country, Earl embraced them all, always taking the time to learn the rules, strategies, and skills
so he could help coach, guide, and support his grandchildren along the way.
When the softball season ended, bowling took its place. Earl bowled in multiple weekly leagues,
faithfully attended the ABC Tournament each year, and cherished Saturdays spent taking his
granddaughter to her bowling league and cheering her on at every tournament. Later, he
proudly coached her high school bowling team. His love of community extended beyond sports
as well. He served as Fall Festival Chairman and helped run the festival beer tent for several
years.
He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially to California, where they spent treasured time
with their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters. Earl loved cheering them on as they played
softball, performed as cheerleaders, competed in dance, and participated in pageants. Those
moments brought him tremendous pride and joy.
In the final years of his life, he found great comfort as a member of Clinton United Church of
Christ and through his workouts at Carter Rehabilitation Center.
Whether it was serving his country, his family, his community, or his Lord, Earl gave of himself
wholeheartedly. He lived a life of dedication, humility, and faith that will be remembered for
generations.
Earl is survived by his father, Earl Cook of Clinton; his brothers, Douglas (Melanie) Cook of
Hudson and Gregory Cook of Brooklyn; his children Michele (Rod) Roles of Biggs, CA, Robynne
(Trever) Perdue of Adrian, and Shane Cook of Clinton; his son-in-law Jim Casavant of Erie;
eight grandchildren, Amie (Morgan) Little, Katie (Brian) Carr, Shealynn Cook, Justice
Knickerbocker, California Gavin, Shane Cook, Trever (Emily) Perdue Jr., and Tayler Smith; and
eleven great-grandchildren, Allie and Brody Little, Brantlee Carr, Marek, Mila, and Madden
Perdue, Kennedy, Jaelynn, and Taija Smith, and Zaiah and Izzy Simmons.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, his mother Delores, and his daughters
Rachelle Casavant and Amber Reineck.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturday,
September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Clinton Chapel of Handler
Funeral Home, 302 Jackson Street, Clinton, MI 49236. A funeral service will take place on
Sunday, September 21, at 3:00 p.m. at Clinton United Church of Christ, 300 Tecumseh Road,
Clinton, MI 49236 and military honors will be performed under the auspices of the Clinton American Legion Post #176.
Earl's legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on through the countless lives he touched.
He will be remembered always as a devoted husband, father, papa, great-grandfather, veteran,
coach, and friend.
Donations in Earl's honor can be made to Clinton United Church of Christ.