Obituary of Harold Gene Cook

Harold Gene Cook, age 80, of Cass City, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022 in Tuscola County. Gene was born July 10, 1941 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In 1946 Gene relocated to Michigan with his parents, Earnest and Zellen Cook. The family purchased a farm northwest of Cass City where Gene and his two siblings were raised. It was here on the farm that Gene learned his good work ethic and the importance of providing for oneself through gardening and raising livestock. Gene graduated from Cass City High School in 1959. After graduating, Gene began working for General Cable in Cass City. Here he met Gloria Jean Harris and became her husband on September 26, 1964 in Bad Axe, Michigan. During their 56 years of marriage Gene and Gloria raised three daughters and one son. Gene left General Cable after several years and went to work for Pontiac Motors before he established a career in carpentry. Gene spent many years building and remodeling homes, and at one time owned his own carpentry business. Gene spent countless hours remodeling the farmhouse he and Gloria purchased in 1973. Together they were able to call this house a home for nearly 50 years. Gene last worked and retired from Three Rivers Construction in 2003. Gene enjoyed NASCAR racing, hunting and fishing, coin collecting, and could often be found helping his parents on their farm whether it be mowing the grass, or tending to their 5 acre vegetable garden. Gene had a great interest in gas powered motors and automotive repair. In the 70’s, Gene built himself stock cars and raced at both Thunder Road Speedway and Owendale Speedway with his family frequently in the stands cheering him on. He and Gloria often gathered with friends on weekends to play cards. He enjoyed watching his children grow and later his grandchildren. The grandchildren had frequent stays at his home where they would always be teased, and where laughter always filled the home. Gene is survived by his children, Laurie Cook of Caro, MI, Debra Cook and Paul Cook of Cass City, MI, and Heidi (Jeremy) White of Fountain Inn, SC; grandchildren, Amber Heckroth of Davidson, MI, Bryan Buschlen of Cass City, MI, Kolton (Hannah) Cook of Fountain Inn, SC, Hunter McGrath of Hopkinsville, KY, Kylie McGrath of Cass City, MI, Seth Cook and Natalie White of Fountain Inn, SC; great- grandchildren, London Cook, Huntleigh Cook and Alayna McGrath. Also surviving Gene is his mother, Zellen (Tommie) Cook of Cass City, MI; brother, Michael Cook of Vassar, MI; sister, Sharon (Lee) Ackerman of Spaulding, MI; and two sisters-in-law, Karen Harris of Texas and Lucille Anderson of AuGres, MI. Preceding Gene in death was his wife, Gloria Cook; father, Earnest Cook; and many brother and sisters-in-law. The family would like to thank everyone who loved and contributed to the fulfilling life of our father Gene. We could not wish for a better man and role model. A memorial event will be announced in the future. That best portion of a good man’s life, his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love - William Wordsworth To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.