Dewey Edmond Cook, Jr.

Dewey Edmond Cook, Jr. December 12, 1924 - October 23, 2008 Dewey Edmond Ed Cook, Jr. of China Spring passed away Thursday, October 23, 2008. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Chaplain Ross Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 26, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Ed was born December 12, 1924 in Waco to Naomi and Dewey Cook, Sr. He was educated in Waco and in Vernon, TX where he was a high school football star. After graduation he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines and graduated as an officer at the academy in Florida. While at port in California he met the love of his life, Harriet Schaber, and they were married four months later. The Cooks moved to Waco in 1946 and he began work at General Tire and Rubber Co; and was union representative in the final finish department. While at General Tire he and his wife opened and operated Mr. and Mrs. Health and Spa until 1975 when they both retired. While he owned the health studio and spa, he entered physique competitions all over the United States and won many contests including Mr. Texas. He also was a member of the Fidelis Lodge and was a member of the Karem Shrine for over 41 years. Together they enjoyed the horse races and ballroom dancing and Karem Shrine functions. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Harriet Toni Cook; brother, Reginald Gene Cook; sister, Patricia Cook Earley; sister-in-law, Ethel Cook; sister-in-law, Eva Sumner; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Melvin Baker, Jim Willey, Ray Alan Cook, Michael Foote, Clarence Cobb, George Brinegar, Frankie Muehlstein and Steve Kroll. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Bottolfs, Billy Lothlen, Maury Harris, Billy Jack Adams, Falls County Shrine Club, all the former members of Mr. & Mrs. Health Studio & Spa, Fidelis Masonic Lodge & The Karem Shrine. The family wishes to express their thanks to the Staff of Lakeshore Village and to Hillcrest Hospice Nurses for their kindness, care and compassion. Memorials may be made to Karem Shrine Crippled Children and Burn Center or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey