Kevin Jay Cook, 64, started his new life in Heaven on Friday, July 28, 2023. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 3, 1958 to Dennis and Judy Cook. He was their 3rd child and had 4 brothers and one sister. Through his family he learned to love God, put others before himself, and live life large.
Kevin was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church since 1982. He joined the choir as a tenor and loved every minute of it. He taught Sunday School for many years spending evenings studying his Bible and using reference material. For several years he served as a deacon ministering to the pastor and church families. Kevin went on three mission trips to Guatemala giving his salvation testimony and telling people about God’s love for them. Prayer was an important part of his life. Even when he wasn’t feeling good, he could be heard praying in his bed.
He married his high school sweetheart in March 1982 and they enjoyed 41 years together. He was a devoted husband to his wife Toby and loving father to his son Matthew and daughters Kaylee and Lindy.
As a youth in Wisconsin, he loved to play football, ice skate, and play ice hockey. Later, he also played basketball and softball, participated in track and field events, and played a good round of golf. Although not a hunter, he sure enjoyed a quiet afternoon fishing. He had a natural artistic ability and loved drawing and wood working. At the encouragement of his father, Kevin learned how to operate a backhoe. He started a business and dug hundreds of septic systems, water lines, and swimming pools. Kevin remembered the places he worked at and would often state what he did at a house as we drove by.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Judy Cook and brother Brian Cook. They had a reunion in Glory on that Friday evening. Those who will miss him most are his wife Toby Cook, son Matthew Cook, daughter Kaylee Smith (JD), daughter Lindy Cook; his brothers Shaun Cook, Todd Cook (Roberta), Dan Cook (Tana), and his sister Bonnie Covington (Ira); grandchildren Jaxon Smith, Joanna Smith and Jase Smith; along with 8 nephews and 6 nieces.
A family hosted memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 3:00pm at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefunerlaservice.com
10 Comments
My heart breaks your family. Your Mom and I go way back. My mom and his Mom were friends, met at Mr Carmel. Praying for comfort and strength.
Kevin was a great guy & wonderful friend to our family. He always had a smile on his face. We loved him so very much & he will be missed by our family.
Kevin was a kind and humble man, devoted to God and his family. He was always willing to lend a hand or offer a shoulder to cry on. He worked with my husband Scott Foltz on several home building projects back in 90’s and Scott always spoke highly of Kevin and his faithful work ethic. He was a true friend to all who knew him. I am delighted our paths crossed and I have no doubt he is singing in the heavenly choir of angels now! Sure, we will miss him here on earth but he is the one who is blessed to be in the presence of Jesus. Amen!
I’ve known y’all my whole life and I’ll never forget the memories along the way… Love always and forever R.I.L Kevin… You will be missed but never forgotten.
Our thoughts and sincere sympathy is expressed to all of the family.
Our dear friend will be deeply missed. This life will not be the same without him. The memories we share are many. God Bless you all today and the days to come
I remember having Lindy in Steve Bonifant and my SS class. Toby or Kevin might bring her to class, usually big brother Matthew would pick her up. What a loving family! The love they had for each other showed in the ways they treated others. I don’t believe I ever saw Kevin in a bad mood. He and his sister Bonnie were a fixture in the choir. Although he is in a far better place, we still grieve his absence here on earth. I’ll see you again on day my brother!
Our hearts are so heavy for you, Toby, your kids and family with the passing of Kevin. Will miss seeing him in the choir singing praises to the Lord. Especially enjoyed the times when he and Bonnie sang together in such glorious harmony. Just know that your family is in our prayers for strength and comfort during this traumatic time
We are so very sorry for your loss. May you rest in the love of Christ as you grieve.
I grew up a Mt Carmel kid and Kevin and his parents. and siblings were always there. then he and Tony had kids. I was the Children’s pastor during that time and they were all wonderful children in every ministry they were involved in. Then there was the adult choir. Kevin was definitely involved in that and I seem to remember his infectious smile and always sharing a laugh . His presence will definitely be missed on earth and my heart breaks for his family, but I know he is enjoying having the opportunity to worship freely at the feet of Jesus with his mom and Dad. Thank you Kevin and Tonyy for being a family that others can model their families after. You ‘be done a great job and I know Kevin heard the words,”Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
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