Willard W. Cook

Willard W. Cook, 73, of Connersville, died Sunday morning, March 22, 2015, at his residence. Willard was born in Connersville, December 12, 1941 to Gail and Glenna Bostic Cook. He was a 1960 graduate of Connersville High School and was married to the former Frances I. Berry on November 25, 1961 in Connersville. Shortly thereafter, Willard enlisted in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Specialist 5th Class while serving as an analyst in Adjutant General’s Data Processing Unit at Ft. Shafter, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1964. Willard was employed at Dresser Roots on the assembly line for thirty five years. He was a member of the American Legion, American Civil Liberties Union and served in several offices in the UAW Local 1118. In his leisure time, Willard enjoyed working word puzzles, reading mysteries and watching NASCAR, especially Matt Kenseth. Willard especially enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He also loved hummingbirds. In addition to his wife of fifty-three years, Willard is survived by his children: Gregory Joseph Cook and his wife, Amy of Milton; Debbie Kelley of Connersville; his granddaughter: Ashley Nicole Kelley; his great-grandson: Gage Needham, both of Dayton, Ohio; his sisters: Leah Ash and her husband, Jim of Connersville; Kathy Legere of Metamora; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his son: Steven Lawrence Cook; his grandson: Tyler Cook; his brother: Larry Cook; nieces: Janet Ash Cramer, Shirelda Legere; nephew: Brian Fink. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with the Fayette County Veteran’s Council conducting graveside military rites. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service Saturday where memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.