Gary James Cook

August 6, 2024 at 3:14 p.m.


Gary James Cook, 73, of Brookville, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Shawneespring Nursing Home in Harrison.

The youngest of six children to George and Philathea Cook, Gary was born June 18, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from Mt. Healthy High School with the class of 1969. 

After graduation, Gary enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam with the Special Police. After he was honorably discharged, he spent time living in Montana before eventually moving to Brookville in 1993.

On June 5, 2003, Gary married the former Donna Lynn Downard in Franklin County. Mrs. Cook survives. 

Gary was a material handler at Smithfield Foods in Sharonville until his retirement in 2018. He was a very hard-working man with a strong work ethic. Gary was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Laurel and was a big believer in the Lord. He was a conversationalist and loved to talk about his faith. He also loved to read, especially about history, and was a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Reds. 

Besides his wife of 21 years, Donna Cook, survivors include three children, Sanya Cook of Connersville, Michael (Amy) Cook of Harrison, Ohio, and Priscilla (Steve) McGrew of Holton; four step-children, David (Jackie) Gorrasi of Harrison, Ohio, Matt (Samantha) Gorrasi of Cincinnati, and Jesse Brown, and April Gabbard; 10 grandchildren, Alexis, Emili, Austin, Steven, Isaiah, Charley, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Tiana: five great-grandchildren, Cheyenna, Liam, Oliver, Ellison, and Joy; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Gary is precfeded in death by his former wife, Lynn Cook; a stepson, Josh Brown; five siblings, Robert, Phillip, and Wesley Cook, Carol McKnight, and infant sister, Louisa; and his parents. 

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home. Reverend Jerry Barnhart will officiate. Burial with military rights will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Cook family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

Gary James Cook, 73, of Brookville, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Shawneespring Nursing Home in Harrison.

The youngest of six children to George and Philathea Cook, Gary was born June 18, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from Mt. Healthy High School with the class of 1969. 

After graduation, Gary enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam with the Special Police. After he was honorably discharged, he spent time living in Montana before eventually moving to Brookville in 1993.

On June 5, 2003, Gary married the former Donna Lynn Downard in Franklin County. Mrs. Cook survives. 

Gary was a material handler at Smithfield Foods in Sharonville until his retirement in 2018. He was a very hard-working man with a strong work ethic. Gary was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Laurel and was a big believer in the Lord. He was a conversationalist and loved to talk about his faith. He also loved to read, especially about history, and was a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Reds. 

Besides his wife of 21 years, Donna Cook, survivors include three children, Sanya Cook of Connersville, Michael (Amy) Cook of Harrison, Ohio, and Priscilla (Steve) McGrew of Holton; four step-children, David (Jackie) Gorrasi of Harrison, Ohio, Matt (Samantha) Gorrasi of Cincinnati, and Jesse Brown, and April Gabbard; 10 grandchildren, Alexis, Emili, Austin, Steven, Isaiah, Charley, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Tiana: five great-grandchildren, Cheyenna, Liam, Oliver, Ellison, and Joy; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Gary is precfeded in death by his former wife, Lynn Cook; a stepson, Josh Brown; five siblings, Robert, Phillip, and Wesley Cook, Carol McKnight, and infant sister, Louisa; and his parents. 

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Phillips and Meyers Funeral Home. Reverend Jerry Barnhart will officiate. Burial with military rights will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Cook family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

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