Thomas L. Cooke

February 16, 1944 ~ January 8, 2018

Thomas L. Cooke, 73, of Wolcottville, died at 9:32 pm on Monday,  at

his residence. His death was unexpected and due to natural causes.  

He was born on February 16, 1944 in San Diego, CA, to Robert and

Betty Jane (Franco) Cooke.  On June 30, 1969 in Lake County he

married Bettye Jo Farris; she survives. Survivors in addition to his

wife are daughter, Veronica (Shank) Cooke of Wolcottville; seven

grandchildren, Isabella, Cheyenne, Josephine, Adrianna, Chance,

Journey, Catch; five great-grandchildren, Chloie, Lylibeth, Riley,

Roselynn, Jaxson. He was preceded in death by his parents,

grandchild, Lacoste, sister, Terry Blaydes, brother, Robert Cooke. He

touched so many as a US Navy man, the mechanic at the Arco until

1985, the tow truck pull out guy, a fireman, a town of Middlebury &

Shipshewana employee, President of the Red Knights Motorcycle

Club, an American Legion Post # 210 member who was active on

Fridays cooking fish with those riders, a man handing out free food in

Antarctica weather off the food truck every week to those in need, an

Autopark employee, a 73yrs old who had a heart for all children and

worked as a crossing guard. He especially loved spending time with

his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2:00

- 7:00 pm on Friday January 12, followed by a funeral service at 7:00

pm at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street

Middlebury. Services will be conducted by Pastor Ron Russell with

Military Honors by the American Legion Post #210. There will also be

a service celebrating Tom’s life at the American Legion Post #210 at a

later date. His final resting place will be in  Grace Lawn Cemetery,

Middlebury at a later date. Memorials may be given to Community

Harvest or Riley Children’s Hospital Burn Unit. Online condolences

may be sent at millerstewartfuneralhome com.