John W. Cook of Sheridan, Arkansas, was born May 30, 1939, in Perryville, Arkansas, the son of the late Ed and Mamie Black Cook. He was a sergeant on the Benton Police Department and had retired from Greyhound Bus Lines after 19 years of service. He had also served in the U.S. Navy for five years.

Mr. Cook was a member of the Grant County American Legion, the Grant County Democratic Central Committee and a member of the First Christian Church in Sheridan.

Mr. Cook died Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Covington County Hospital in Collins, Mississippi at the age of 69.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Cook.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty Woolem Cook of Sheridan; sisters, Linda and husband Jack Vido of Grapevine and Glenda and husband Bill Martin of Webster, Texas; mother-in-law, Opal Morgan of Benton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda and John Bruce Pemberton of Alexander; Helen Steed of Benton; John and Diana Woolem of Alexander;
nieces and nephews, Lisa Pemberton; MSgt. Chris and Michelle Pemberton; Kevin and Renee Steed; Greg Steed; Roslind Smith; Ron and Gayla Ballew; Mike and Gwen Cook, Michael Martin, and Doug and Tammy Cook as well as numerous great nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Despite his many illnesses and hospitalizations, John always had a smile and hello for everyone. He refused to give up and never complained. He relished politics and political discussions. He loved his family and would do anything he could for anyone. As a kidney transplant recipient, John realized and stressed the importance of organ donation; to that end, he donated his corneas for use by others.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Jim Wellons for the loving care he gave John the last 24 years and for giving us extra years with John because of this excellent care. Thanks also to Dr. Tena Murphy, Dr. Edwin Hankins, Dr. Alex Dellinger, Dr. Lawson Glover, and Dr. Gerald Silvoso for the great care they extended John.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Diabetes Association or the Arkansas Kidney Association.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, January 26, 2009 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Bennett, Jim Lancaster, Bobby Pierce, Rick Treadway and Dr. Jim Wellons officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until service time.