Gerald Francis "Jerry" Cook

Long time Worland resident, Jerry Cook, passed away on June 21, 2015 at the Washakie Medical Center.

Jerry was born on August 30, 1942 in Casper, Wyoming to Donald P. and Thelma P. (Marquardt) Cook.

He grew up in Casper, graduating from Natrona County High School in 1960. Following his graduation, he served his country in the US Navy until August of 1966. He married Delores Selby in Casper on June 20, 1964. Jerry attended Casper College and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Electronics in 1965. The couple relocated to Laramie in the fall of 1965 where Jerry apprenticed as a taxidermist from 1965 – 1967. He then worked for the Laramie Police Force as an officer until 1969 when he began his career as a Wyoming Highway Patrol Officer. He graduated from Central Wyoming College in 1973 with a criminal Justice Associate's degree. During his time with the Highway Patrol he always greeted people with "Howdy". Many folks came back to tell his family that he made them feel guilty for breaking the law because he was so nice to them. He retired in 1995. Retirement wasn't just to sit around and do nothing, he filled his time with artwork and photography. Many Worland homes and businesses are adorned with his artistic talents.

His hobbies included bowling for over 35 years. He was voted into the Hall of Fame because of the number of years he bowled and for his personal contributions he made to the league.

He was very active in Men's softball for 15 years and volunteered as a coach for Little League and Babe Ruth. He served on the Baseball Commission/Worland Rec Center board for 4 years and was instrumental in adding field # 3 to the Newell Sargent Park. He was a lifelong member of the Elks. Jerry was a quiet man who did things behind the scenes, never wishing for attention to be drawn to him. He was a gentle giant who would help wherever and whenever there was a need.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, mother, one brother, Richard and a niece, Robin.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Delores Cook of Worland, children, Donald (Angel) Cook of Houston, Texas, Bret Cook of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Erika (Chris) Johnston of Casper, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, brother, Bob (Cathy) Cook and sister-in-law, Debbie Cook (Don Wisland) all of Casper.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Worland Middle School Auditorium. Memorial donations may be made to the Worland Youth Learning Center or Special Olympics in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.