Gilford Roy Cook

Gilford R. Cook, 89, of Elkhart died on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Bronson Healthcare in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Gilford was born on October 16, 1932 in Warsaw, Indiana to the late Albert and Mary (Yarman) Cook.  He married Judith Pfister on July 12, 1958. She preceded him in death on August 27, 2021.

Gilford is also preceded in death by his son, Douglas Cook who died on January 5, 2022. As well as siblings: Albert Cook Jr, Paul Cook, Sheldon Cook, Gerald Cook, Juanita Mae Cook and Cecil Cook.

He is survived by his two sons, Michael (Sheila Smith) Cook of Niles and Christopher (Jennifer) Cook of North Carolina. As well as a brother: Ronald (Jill) Cook of Warsaw. Gilford is also survived by his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Gilford was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for many years. He was a military veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed for many years at Adams & Westlake as a process engineer where he also served as a Union President. Gilford also served the community helping with Habitat for Humanity and was also very involved with the Boy Scouts of America and served as a scout leader. He also helped with refereeing certain sports events like softball, basketball and football. Gilford also enjoyed gardening with his wife.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 5-7pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home in Elkhart. A funeral service for Gilford will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church at 11am with an hour of visitation prior to the service.  Sister Nora Frost will officiate and burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be directed to The Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

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