Paul W. Cook

In Loving Memory of

Paul W. Cook

02/06/1940 - 08/20/2025

With heartfelt sadness, the family of Paul Wells Cook Jr. announces his passing at age 85. Paul passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by loved ones, on August 20, 2025.

Born on February 6, 1940, in Santa Anna, Texas, Paul was the son of Paul W. Cook Sr. and Pearl Presslar Cook. He graduated from Lubbock Monterey High School in 1958 and later attended Texas Tech University. He proudly served in the Marine Reserves as an artillery officer, retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 after 20 years of service.

In 1970, Paul began his career with Abbott Laboratories in El Paso, Texas, as a pharmaceutical salesman. Over the next three decades, he advanced to District Manager, retiring in 2000 in San Antonio, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

A member of the Church of Christ, Paul carried a quiet faith throughout his life. He found enjoyment in American history, country music, time with friends, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Billie Ruff Willis, and his niece, Jamie Willis. He is survived by his former wife, Sharon Ann Cook of San Antonio; his children, Laurie Cook Knauf (Mike) of McHenry, Illinois, and Garret Wells Cook (Christie) of Bogart, Georgia; his grandchildren Elizabeth, Patrick, Jennifer, and Christopher Knauf, along with Daniel (Alaina), Nicholas, Emily, and Lucy Cook; his great-granddaughter, Emmy Cook; and his niece, Nancy Willis of Lubbock, Texas.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 28, at 11:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.