Gerald Wayne Cook

Gerald Wayne Cook passed away in his home in Saratoga, on Saturday, March 2, 2013. He was born on March 6, 1938 in Rawlins, to Maxine (Darknell) Cook Buckman and Joseph E. Cook.

He was a 1956 graduate of Hanna High School in Hanna. He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Carol, on June 25,1960 and three beautiful daughters were born soon after.

Gerry was an avid fisherman, hunter, and woodworker, always inspired by the wonder of his treasured Wyoming outdoors. He was the owner of Cook’s Conoco in Medicine Bow for many years and enjoyed being active in many clubs such as the Lion’s Club, Rebekah’s, WAM and the Independent Order of Oddfellows that focused on helping community and social issues dear to his heart. He took pride and joy in all of his Junior High School basketball teams throughout his years coaching. Always a smile and ready to laugh, he was a friend to everyone. A man of many, many hats, he served proudly as a council member and later as Mayor of his beloved Medicine Bow.

He is survived by his wife Carol (James), daughters, Gerri Lynn Armbruster, Rhonda (Cass) Foley and Colleen, granddaughter, Stevee (Scott) Sterling, brother Phillip (Verna) Cook, brother-in-law Royden (Kay) James, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Maxine, father, Joe, step-father, Charles, sisters, Carole (Harold) Haley, Sharon (Ray) Chandler, Beverly, twin sisters, Sharlene and Darlene, brother, Joseph Jr., mother and father-in-law, Royden “Jiggs” and Beth James, son-in-law, Michael Armbruster and grandson, Christopher William Cook.

Family, friends and the lives Gerry touched are warmly welcome to the Valley Chapel at the Saratoga Cemetery starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013 to celebrate and share memories of his life, followed by a luncheon at the Odd Fellows Lodge in Saratoga, 121 River St.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Saratoga Search and Rescue and the Saratoga Prayer Shawl.