Jack F. Cook

On Thursday, January 28, 2021, Jack Franklin Cook, loving husband and father of three, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 88. Jack was born on February 3, 1932 in Toledo, OH to Orville and Gladys Cook. In September of 1953, he met the love of his life, Kathy (Kiker) Cook. Six weeks later on October 24, 1953, they married and celebrated over 66 years of love and devotion. Together, they raised three children with lots of love, support, and laughter. Jack attended Whitmer High School, graduating in 1950. He then attended Bowling Green State University, playing football for 2 years. In 1952, he signed up with the Navy, serving proudly for two years. Returning to the Trilby area, he began working at Brondes Motor Sales on Secor Rd., first as a salesman and for many years as general manager. Anyone who remembers the Brondes commercials where Phil and Don Brondes smashed a windshield, Jack was the guy behind the wheel who ducked out of the way at the last minute. He retired from Brondes in 2002. Jack loved horses and golf. For many years, he raised and showed quarter horses. A source of pride for him was when one of his quarter horses was purchased by Terry Bradshaw. As he aged, his interest turned to golf and he very proudly shot his age up until he turned 85. Jack loved Jesus with his whole heart and was very active at Westgate Chapel Church, serving as an Elder for many years. His passion was serving in the prayer room praying with people who were having troubles in their lives. One young woman said that, “ I was hurting and your dad was the one to sit with me, his eyes were God’s eyes that day to me. His comfort and love wasn’t something I was used to and he was my spiritual dad that day.” Jack truly showed the world God’s love. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Katharine (Kiker) Cook, parents, Orville and Gladys Cook, and two grandchildren, Courtney and Stuart Babich. He is survived by his three children, Lesley Cook Jackson, Matthew R. Cook, Sr. (Lisa), and Stacey Cook Babich (Stephen), as well as grandchildren, Steven (Theresa Gue) Jackson, Greg (Kenisha) Jackson, Ryan (Sarah) Jackson, Matthew R. Cook, Jr., Tyler (Courtney) Cook, Jonah (Meggan) Cook, Lacey Cook, Alex (Hope) Babich, and 9 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a future time yet to be determined. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Association.