Wilbur "Will" Donald Cook

Wilbur “Will” Donald Cook, 93, of Wapakoneta passed away at 3:35 a.m. Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Lima Memorial Health Systems, Lima.

He was born August 26, 1925 in Leetonia, OH to David C. & Sarah (Orr) Cook who preceded him in death.  On August 11, 1946 he married E. Pauline Armstrong who passed on December 23, 2016.

Survivors include his children; Jean Elaine Klein of San Diego, CA, Carol Ann (Andy) Wilson of Wapakoneta, Donald Carl Cook of Wapakoneta, Pearl Lucille (Rick) Drake of Springboro, Dan Daryl Cook of Bradford; 9 grandchildren Laura Boyer, Valerie Klein, Elizabeth/Jake Cook, Alexandra Cook, Brian Drake, Kevin Drake, Sarah Drake, Jillian Drake, Anna Cook; 7 great-grandchildren; a nephew John (Linda) Armstrong and two great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by a brother Ralph Cook and a sister Ruth Cook Shultz.

He graduated from David Anderson High School Lisbon, OH in 1943.  He served with the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 with the 5th Armored Division Co. A.  46th Armored Infantry.  He was a farmer, coal miner and a pastor from 1956-1984.  He was also a history teacher teaching in Ohio public schools from 1966-1979, historian, and founder of Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue, OH where he also hosted the Lyme Radio Ministry in 1972.  He was proud to be 7 gallon blood donor.  He was a printer and publisher and National Secretary, 5th Armored Division Association from 1985-2008.  He was also a member and chaplain of New Pittsburg and Millbury Volunteer Fire Department.  He published over 11 books of his family history and stories.  In his retiring years he was a philosopher, writer, counselor, thinker and a man of great humor, wit and one liners.

The family would especially like to thank Connie Martin for her years of cleaning, companionship and friendship.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Paul U.C.C. with Rev. Steve Nelson.  Private family burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery.  Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Historic Lyme Village.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schlosserfuneralhome.com