Donald K. Cook

Donald K. Cook, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the age of 92. He was born in Moween, Pennsylvania January 21, 1927 to James & Mary (Vought) Cook. Don was a salesman at heart and worked in the food industry for over 30 years. He served in the US Navy in the Minesweeper Division in the European Theater during World War II. Don is one of five sons who served honorably in the U.S. Military. Whenever someone stopped to thank him for his service (because he always wore his WWII cap), he would reply, “It was an honor”. He was a true patriot and loved his country. Don was a dreamer and visionary. He loved playing golf, riding horses, and owning a good dog. Don had a few distinguishing eating habits. He always said, “I eat to live, I don’t live to eat.” He was also famous for never eating anything that “flies or swims”. He loved to listen to Big Band Music and watch western movies. The Pittsburgh Steelers were his home team and he thought Tiger Woods was the greatest golfer of all time. Don lived in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Florida but recently called southwest Michigan his home. Don was a follower of Jesus Christ and his favorite book of the Bible was Genesis. He would say, “It’s all right there”. A widower (Frieda) since 2009, Don raised five children: James Lawrence Cook (deceased), Toni Jeanne Cook, Richard (Vanessa) Grucz, Kevin (Kathy) Cook and Kimberly (Charles) Kourtjian. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lisa, James, Taylor, Timothy, Richard Jr., Anne Marie, Doug, Nick, Mike, and Esther Anne. In addition, he is survived by a sister (Audrey) and brother (Patrick) Following Don’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 11am at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. Please take time to sign Don’s guestbook online and share a memory with the family. In lieu of flowers the family would request that donation be made to Talons Out Honor Flight https://www.talonsouthonorflight.org/ The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 269-344-5600.