Howard G. Cook, 103, Lincoln, died Tuesday (3-10-09). Born in Alvo, NE the son of George Perry and Mattie Belle (Sheesley) Cook.
Raised on a Cass County farm, at age 11 Howard drove a mule-drawn 23-passenger school “kid wagon” even during blizzards and storms. His mother heated bricks to put in that wagon to help warm the children.
After high school, Howard delivered coal and lumber by horse-drawn wagon for Pauley Lumber Company in Lincoln. When the company opened a gas station & garage, they asked the “Personality Kid”, as Howard was known, to take it over. Many a car was rescued by him in his Model A truck with the painted slogan “Looky, Looky, Here Comes Cooky”. He retired in 1976 after 43 years as auto mechanic and manager of the gas station & garage, having worked for the same company for over 50 years.
Autos, trucks, tractors, and all things mechanical continued to be his passion and would bring a smile to his face and a sparkle to his eyes for the rest of his life. He passed his driver’s license driving test and written exam when he was 96 years old!
Family members include daughters: Marilyn M. Cook, Lincoln, Barbara E. Rino, Westminster, CO; grandson: John G. Rino, Westminster, CO; cousin: Alice Bornemeier, Lincoln; nieces and nephews: James and Gwen Cook family; Wilbur Cook family, all of Lincoln; Patricia Batchelder, Omaha; Robert Jungbluth, Kristen Rutan, Elaine Crosley, all of CA; Mary Ann Sumstad, WA. Preceded in death by wife of 67 years, Elizabeth L. Cook; brothers: Homer S. and Maynard C. Cook; sisters: Frances Opal Jungbluth and Marion M. Peets; son-in-law: Louis S. Rino; 3 brothers-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, 4 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins.
Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (3-18-09) Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Rev. Timothy Wiggins officiating.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Tabitha Foundation, 4720 Randolph Street, 68510.
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, funeral home.