Howard W. Cook

  Howard W. Cook, born January 6, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away at The Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan on February 4, 2013, at the age of 79.

Howard graduated from Eastern High School, class of 1951.  He proudly served 3 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1958 and earned a graduate degree from Western Michigan University.  He taught school in Lawrence, Michigan for 5 years, then returned to Lansing to teach social studies and coach at his alma mater, Lansing Eastern for 30 years, retiring in 1993.  At various times he coached basketball, boys and girls golf, and served as Athletic Director.  Howard was a lifelong, avid golfer.  He was a long time, active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Howard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margery; three children, Becky (Phil) Riggs, Penny (Chuck) Gardner and Randy (Kellie) Cook; ten grandchildren, Nate (Loren) Gardner, Dan Cook, Adam Gardner, Meghan (Eric) Rose, Jennifer (Joe) Baker, Cody Riggs, Lee Gardner, Derek (Kara) Cook, Spence Riggs and Adam Cook; four step-grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 7, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, with The Very Rev. Ronald Byrd, Sr. officiating.  The family will meet with friends at a luncheon following the service at the church.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of The Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan and the Sparrow Palliative Care Department for their compassionate care; and the Sparrow Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department where Howard was a regular attendee the past several years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan or the Capital Area Humane Society.

Print Obituary

4 Messages to “Howard W. Cook

Print Messages
Doug Parks
February 6, 2013 at 8:52 am

With deepest sympathy for the Cook family. Coach Cook was a good man and I enjoyed having him as coach.
Sorry for your loss
Doug Parks ( LEHS class of 70 golf team )

Reply
Craig Wilson
February 6, 2013 at 1:35 pm

I knew Mr. Cook from summers on the playground at Lewton School and later played against his basketball teams at Eastern. He was a good guy and I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Reply
Carol Morgan Thelen
February 6, 2013 at 8:45 pm

I had Mr. Cook as a teacher in high school and always thought very highly of him. He was one of the best. My condolences to his family.

Reply
Gail Donnelly Bader
February 7, 2013 at 2:20 pm

Becky,

I was so sorry to hear about your dad’s death. It sounds like he was at peace with his decisions (been there — it doesn’t make it better but it is easier to accept). Do you still make Wallers? I still associate those cookies/candies with your dad. It’s funny what sticks with you after more than 40 years.

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *