Kenneth Harley Cook

Kenneth Harley Cook, age 83, of New Philadelphia, died early Friday, November 14, 2025, following a period of declining health, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on October 17, 1942, Ken was a son of the late Kenneth L. and Violet G. Magley Cook.

He graduated in 1960 from the former Uhrichsville High School and continued his education at Ohio University and McKendree University. After college, Ken began working for his father at Uhrden, Inc., a material-handling manufacturer based in the Twin Cities. The firm later moved to Sugarcreek, where Ken served as President until his retirement in 2012, at which time the company was sold.

Deeply civic-minded, Ken devoted his time and talents to the Swiss Festival for many years. He took great pride in supporting the Sugarcreek community by cooking and serving chicken during the festival for 37 consecutive years. He was an active member of the Sugarcreek Rotary, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and at one time served as the President of the New Philadelphia Band Boosters.

Ken generously shared his vocal talents at countless weddings and funerals and was a longtime special vocalist for New Philadelphia High School’s Singing Valentines. In his younger years, he performed on stage at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County and spent many enjoyable years dancing with the Star Promenaders square dancers. Known for never meeting a stranger, Ken had an innate ability to connect people from various paths in his life.

A passionate Corvette enthusiast, Ken owned several over the years and never missed an opportunity for a road trip in one of his beloved cars. Above all, he will be remembered as a mentor and a steadfast supporter of his family and grandchildren.

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 54 years, whom he married on November 18, 1971, the former Karen Steinbaugh; his children, Laura Bishop of Columbus, and Kenny Cook of Sherrodsville; his beloved grandchildren, Brock (Lacee) Bishop, Grant (Stephanie) Bishop all of Delaware, Ohio, Ella (Lucas) Thompson of Sugar Grove, Ohio, and Lillia (Aaron) Crecelius of Columbus; his great-grandchildren, Margot Crecelius, and Bobby Bishop; his sisters-in-law, Romaine Coniglio and Kay Reese; and his cousins, whom he shares a close bond, Ricky, Paul, and Harley Hervey.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth L. Cook, II; a daughter, Kellie Cook-Crall; and his mother-in-law, Eva Strawn.

In honoring Ken’s wishes, the family will hold a private celebration of his life. Burial will take place in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling cremation care.