Lawrence W. “Bill” Cook, 75, of Marietta, Ohio, and a former resident of Wellston, died Sunday, January 11, 2015 at his home after battling the debilitating effects of COPD for many years. He was born January 8, 1940 in Wellston, Ohio, the only son of the late Lawrence H. “Sam” Cook and Bessie Bernice Gentry Cook.
After graduating from Wellston High School in 1957, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy, where he served for four years in both Quonset Point, Rhode Island and Keflavik, Iceland, first as a member of the Security and Criminal Investigation Division and then as a naval photographer. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked mainly as a welder in several industrial facilities before taking on his life’s work as a proud railroader for the DT&I, Beltline, Norfolk and Western and Norfolk Southern companies. He retired in 1990 with a career-ending back injury.
He was a thoughtful man who spoke his mind and had a sharp wit. He enjoyed watching sitcoms, following the news and debating the current issues of the day, photography and the outdoors. He was a man of great honor who loved his family deeply.
Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Phyllis M. Cook; his children, Minnie Taylor, Connie Gillum (John), Sherry French, all of Marietta, Mike Cook (Lori) of Wellston, Ohio, Leslie Claggett (John) of Tucson, Arizona and Joy Frank-Collins (Ethan), also of Marietta; 12 grandchildren, Billie Jo Gussler, Ethan Cheatwood, Seth Taylor (Jessie), Heath Cook, Logan Gillum, Courtney Kirby (Lance), Michelle Cook, Ashley Peacher (Spencer), Jessie Gillum, Ryan Claggett, Cormac Frank-Collins and Lachlan Frank-Collins; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue “Sis” Davis (Richard) and Brenda Cook, all of Wellston; two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Cook and Bessie Cook; two brothers-in-law, Garry Atchison and Donnie Atchison; and one grandchild, Bobbie Jo Gussler.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston with Pastor Rob Ervin officiating. Burial will be in Hamden Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com