It was a very emotional day for myself and the Cook family as we paid our final respects to Orval Joe Cook. This was Tammy's Uncle Joe, and thats what we always called him. Joe was a Baptist Pastor, and was a powerful influence in our lives. He was the Pastor that married Tammy and I back in 1981. Joe also officiated at Tammy's funeral service, just one year ago. After Tammy's death, I asked Joe if he would be the Pator for her funeral service. He explained that he didn't do funeral services any more because of his failing eyesight and memory. He loved Tammy very much and said he would pray to the Lord for guidance. By the next morning, Joe had received the answer, and told me he would be honored to be apart of Tammy's funeral service. He had already finished writing down the notes and scriptures he wanted to share at the service. Over the years, Joe has been an inspiration, and a source of wisdom to us. I think I will remember him most for his love of Jesus, his guidance to 'do the right thing, even though it might not be the easy thing', and of course his golf stories.
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Orval Joe Cook, 73, of Terre Haute died Saturday, July 15, 2006, in his residence. He was born Nov. 6, 1932, in Terre Haute. He is at home with his Heavenly Father and was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Allen Cook; and his parents, Marvin M. Cook and Maude E. Cook. He retired from Hulman Company, and worked at Indiana Gas and Chemical Plant, Terre Haute Gas, and retired from Indiana Gas in 1991. He also was the pastor at Rosedale Baptist Church from 1970 to 1979. He was owner of the old Helman’s grocery store on 19th Street and Fifth Avenue, during the 1950’s. He was a lifelong charter member of Eighth Avenue Baptist Church.
He was an avid golfer and loves the game. He also loved to work with his wife, Ruth, in their yard and flower beds in his later years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth Ellen Hart Cook. He also is survived by his sister, Wanita Hewitt of Terre Haute; and brothers, Vernon Cook, Paul Cook and Glen Cook, all of Terre Haute. He has four children, Larry Cook and wife Donna of DeBary, Fla., Garry Cook and wife Janice of Terre Haute, Jo Ellen Thomas and husband Darren of Rosedale, and Virgil Cook and wife Treva of Rosedale. He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren, Sheri, Thomas Jo “TJ”, Karen, Heather, Jenny, Jonathan Joe “JJ”, Clint, Devin, Paul and Tina; and the great-grandfather of 13 great-grandchildren.
