David “Dave” Michael Cook
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David (Dave) Michael Cook passed away on October 15, 2022 after a short-term illness. David was born on March 13, 1956 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Ronald and Dorothy Cook. David lived a life of adventure, enjoying time in the outdoors boating, fishing and exploring the desert of Arizona. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974 and is legendary for his senior stunt which involved removing the doors to the high school and driving his white VW bug down the hall. He knew how to fix almost anything and operated his own small engine repair business for several years. Early in his life, he built a number of cable television systems in communities across Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Arizona. This work led to him installing and troubleshooting residential and commercial IT services. Most recently, he owned a handyman business. He enjoyed helping others and never met a stranger. As a very skilled woodworker, he particularly found great fulfillment in building furniture and toys for his children and grandchildren, which will be forever cherished.
David is survived by his wife, Marijane (MJ), who he married in February 2011. He is also survived by his daughters Katie McCormick of Lawrence and Tara Gilbert (Bill) of Camden, Tennessee, stepson Randy Claspell (Lisa) of Troy, Michigan, stepdaughter Cayla Ornelas (Jose) of Tucson, Arizona, stepdaughter Susie Turner (Rowdy) of Battle Creek, Michigan, his mother Dorothy Cook, brother Darren Cook (Susan) sister Diane Stoddard (Brian) and nephews Dustin, Derek, Nathan and Adam all of Lawrence. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Bria, Paisley, Jack, Winston, Samuel, Harley, Rose, Paige, and Dominic.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 at Warren-McElwain in Lawrence.
Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to Lawrence Habitat for Humanity and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My condolences. Dave worked with me at Sunflower in the late nineties. After he opened his lawn mower shop I would help him in the evenings while he did pick up and deliveries. Great man and good friend.
So very sorry to hear about Dave. He will be missed. I will keep him in my prayers. He was a special person. Love and condolences to all the family.
So sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, or give good advise. He advised me on what security camera’s I should by, in great detail. We always exchanged great stories about the things we probably shouldn’t have done in jr high and high school. I will truly miss him. Rest In Peace Buddy
So very sorry, Dave will be missed. He was a friendly neighbor and very kindly made me a lovely wooden bowl out of an oak tree I had to have removed. May all the good memories bring comfort.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My favorite memory of Dave was when he drove his bass boat down a flooded street. I can see him now with a big smile cruising down Carolina Street. He will be missed.
I am heartbroken to hear of Dave’s passing. We were good junior high and high school friends. I will always remember Dave’s generous, kind spirit. He was so talented and fun to be around. My condolences.
My condolences to the Cook family, very talented wood working man, May his memory be a blessing to all of us.
What a great friend Dave was. After I retired we had a great friendship. You will be missed.
My condolences to Dave’s family. I was lucky to have Dave as a friend.
Dave was a high school classmate of mine and we had many classes together. I called Dave several times when I needed things repaired around the house, he was very good at what he did. Prayers to his family. My condolences.
Wow so cool darren your family lucky too have him sorry for your loss
I’m shocked and dismayed to hear of Dave’s untimely death. Dave was my helpful neighbor along with his former wife and two young daughters. He built a playhouse for Katie and Tara and a large double garage to fix a collection of lawn mowers in his backyard. During the July 1993 flood, I recall him sitting in a back window well trying to fix (or install) a sump pump as a river of water rushed along our property line and flooded our yards and streets. When the City wanted to destroy a row of mature trees along the street easement for new storm drains, his family tied yellow ribbons to their two elm trees like other neighbors. (Our new neighborhood association eventually convinced the City to place storm drains under the streets as the second, long overdue Storm Water Project.) I will fondly remember Dave for his wide smiles and silly pranks. My deepest sympathies to his family and his extended network of friends.
Dear Cook Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of David. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
David was a great and fun person!
Sincerely,
Mr. Kim R. Wrench
LHS Graduating Class of 1974
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I pray for the family for their loss he was a good friend and will be missed.