William Lee Cook

William L. Cook, affectionately known as “Cookie” to his friends and family, passed away at the age of 67. A lifelong resident of LaPorte, Indiana, he was born on February 3, 1959, the beloved son of the late Frank H. Cook and Audrey M. (Crawford) Cook.

Cookie attended LaPorte High School and built a life marked by grit, humor, and authenticity. In 1984, he married the love of his life, Georgean G. Harvey. Their partnership of more than forty years was filled with unwavering love and countless shared memories. Known for his quick wit and unmistakable humor, Cookie was down-to-earth, straightforward, and never one to sugarcoat his opinions. He could be ornery and comical in the same breath—a consummate jokester and proud smart aleck—yet beneath his teasing nature lay a deeply kind, loving, and caring man who cherished his family above all else.

A true jack-of-all-trades with a remarkable work ethic, Cookie worked for over sixteen years at American Rubber Company and later dedicated more than thirty years to property maintenance at Deerfield Estates south of LaPorte. He took great pride in teaching his sons how to work on diesel engines, repair their own cars, hunt, fish, and carry themselves with strength and independence. To them, he was more than a father—he was their hero. Cookie had a lifelong passion for powerful engines and the thrill of speed. An avid fan of NHRA drag racing, he spent countless hours working on vehicles and sharing that knowledge with his sons. He also found joy in riding his Harley-Davidson, especially his beloved Ultra Classic with its sidecar, and was a proud member of the Fish Lake American Legion Post 400. His dogs were constant companions throughout his life; he was preceded in death by Buddy James Cook and Miracle Mae Cook, and is survived by his cherished Missy Gwenn Cook.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Georgean G. (Harvey) Cook; his sons, Jesse Cook (Amber) and Roscoe Cook; brothers, David Cook and Robert Cook (Carla); sister, Cati Cook Ault (David); and nine cherished grandchildren, Brody J. Cook, Bristol M. Cook, Kenslee A. Cook, Giovanni M. Cook-Lazzaro, Genevicia A. Cook-Lazzaro, Gabriella A. Cook-Lazzaro, Gemma Cook-Lazzaro, Giuseppe T. Cook-Lazzaro, and Gianna N. Cook-Lazzaro. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will remember him for his humor, honesty, and generous spirit.