Tom Cook

Tom Cook, 85, of Morganton, NC died Monday, October 8, 2012 at Grace Hospital following several months of declining health. Born March 10, 1927 in McDowell County, NC, he was a son of the late Charlie Andrew Cook and Essie Mae Taylor Cook. Tom was a US Navy veteran of World War II, and a member of Burkemont Baptist Church where he had taught adult Sunday school class. He retired as the Chief of Police for Western Carolina Center, and had also worked at both Great Lakes Carbon and Broughton Hospital. Tom loved to golf and play sports.He is survived by sons, Toney Cook and wife, Sherri, of Hickory, and Dan Cook and ex-wife, Connie, of Morganton; a daughter, Linda C. Mace of Augusta, GA; grandchildren, Richard Mace, Danielle Flake, Drennin Matthews, and Nick Lackey; two great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen Mull Cook; brothers, Delbert Franklin and L.C. Cook; and a sister, Mae Jean Frady.Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2012 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the N.C. National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Saturday from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at the funeral home.