William Earl Cook, Jr.
October 03, 2013
William Cook, Jr., 66, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2013, surrounded by his family at Bright Kavanagh in Des Moines.
William was born on November 27, 1946, in Des Moines, to William, Sr. and Olive Cook. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. William was employed by the State of Iowa as an insurance examiner for 29½ years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 738 and a member of the National Association of Hot Rodders. William loved children and dressed up as Santa Claus every Christmas season for 42 years. He was a proud Eastsider and gave back to the community every chance he could.
William is survived by his wife, Dee, children, Robert, Jamie (Shawn), Gary (Dawn), Ray, Danny (Darlean) and Michael (Amanda), grandchildren, Joshua, Alysha, Breanna, Emily (Shawn), Tylor, Ruth and Maddison as well as 15 other grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, sisters, Ruth (Jerry) Hagg, Sandra Cook and Judy Burns, as well as other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two favorite dogs, Bruno and Rootbeer.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, October 7, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Iowa Veteran Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of William.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Stardust
10/09/2013
I will love you until the day after forever!!!!!!
Connie Willey
10/08/2013
Bill you were a blessing we always look forward to seeing every year. We will miss you very much. Our family was truly blessed to have you and Dee in our lives.
Joceil Alexander Southward
10/07/2013
I was friends with Bill in High School. He was a really nice guy. My sympathies go to his family. He will be remembered and missed by all.
Ray, Dixie and Tucker Watters
10/07/2013
Mike, Amanda and Family, Mike we are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Sadly we only got the pleasure of meeting your dad one time, I will never forget it. It was at Verns visitation and I told your dad and mom how much we loved you and could not wait to "legally" have you in the family. Your dad promptly offered you up on a silver platter, as long as I promised to keep you, no returns. He was able to make us laugh at such a somber occasion .I know you will miss him greatly , and this will be an enormous adjustment , try to think of the reunions he is now enjoying, and the everlasting paradise that now embraces your dad. If you need anything at all, please let us know.
Silas Lee Jr
10/07/2013
I will always remember Bill ,when I was young and lived in the same neighborhood he accepted me in his house and family......At times when I was going through tough times at home he always welcomed me in his home....He included me in on family functions , let me sleep over and listen to my problems...We lost a
great guy but Heaven gained a good person...
Heather
10/07/2013
I will always remember Christmas with the 515 and our amazing SANTA. So sorry for ur loss. Just remember God has a purpose and the kids there will be having an amazing Christmas party.
Char Iaria
10/07/2013
I worked with Bill at the Iowa Insurance Division. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. May he rest in peace.
Judi Scott
10/07/2013
Dee, I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. I have good memories of the times we all spent together supporting our kids way back to the Willard days. Just know Bill's memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his children and in all the people whose lives he touched through the years with his easy smile and gentle voice.
Alberta Estell & family
10/07/2013
Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with him at the Iowa Insurance Division (Securities). May he rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Kristy Hochmuth
10/07/2013
The 515 wants to say thank you to Mr Cook for giving himself to our kid's at Christmas time as Santa he was a GREAT man, Jamie your mom and dad are Gems. Prayers to you and your family from me and the whole 515
Diane (Davis) Davidson
10/07/2013
Am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was always a fun guy to be around all through our early school years and DMT 1964 graduation. He made a great Santa.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jamie
10/07/2013
I miss you already Dad! You was my hero ! I'm blessed I had 43 years of you being my dad, my hero, my friend! You kissed ever boo boo, you fixed my hair when mom could not , you went to all my ob apps , you held my hand ,when I needed my daddy, you wiped my tears, you gave the best hugs , you picked me up when I was down, but most of all you was my Dad, my HERO! I love you DAD!
Love sis! You are always on my mind, forever in my heart DAD!
Chris Bechtel
10/06/2013
I worked with Bill at the Iowa Insurance Division several years ago. I enjoyed working with Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family during this difficult time.
Sonya
10/06/2013
I worked with Bill at the Insurance Division, he was a joy to work with and a great guy. My thoughts are with his family.
Gary Hiatt
10/05/2013
A very good friend from high school. Life didn't allow our paths to cross very often but he was never forgotten. Bless you Bill for who you were. My deepest sympathy to the family.