Donald ‘Don’ Eugene Cook, Sr., 81, died Feb. 7, 2021, at his home. He was born Jan. 20, 1940, in Hutchinson, to Sherman Luther and Fern Pauline (Hamilton) Cook.
Don served in the United States Army from July 1959 to August 1964. He worked as a forklift operator at Morton Salt Company, South, Hutchinson, retiring with over 26 years of service. Don’s enjoyment for visiting with people was evidenced as he worked as an outside gate ticket taker at the Kansas State Fairgrounds and as a door greeter at Walmart.
On May 6, 1960, he married Mary L. Francis. They shared over 22 years of marriage, prior to her death on December 27, 1982. Don married Anita Joan Cook on May 24, 1984, in Hutchinson. They shared over 36 years of marriage, prior to his death.
He is survived by his children, April (Michael) Root, Donald Cook Jr., Candy (Rick) Bell, and Jimmy (Christina) Cook, Sr., all of Hutchinson; wife, Anita Cook of Hutchinson; four stepchildren; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Francis (mother of his children); sons, Joseph Randolph Cook and Alex Lee Cook; granddaughter, Skyler Rain; and brothers, Jimmy Cook and Carl Cook.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, with Steve Sears officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Military honors will be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, and Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.
To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the end of Don’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the service beginning at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kindred Hospice, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.