Joseph Clifton Cook, Sr., 95, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at the Senior Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Port Arthur, from natural causes. He was born on February 7, 1921, in Rayne, Louisiana, to William Burton Cook and Mary Winnie Cook.
Mr. Cook served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was well known and successful in the horse transportation business, worked in the oil fields, and work as a foreman on several large Texas ranches. Mr. Cook was a boiler maker and a member of the Local Union 587. He was a long time resident of Beaumont, prior to living in Port Arthur.
Mr. Cook is survived by his sister, Mary Burton Cook, of Alexandria, Louisiana; children, Joseph C. Cook Jr. of Carlsbad, California; John R. Cook of Austin, Texas; Mary Cook Riddle of Cedar Park, Texas; William E. Cook, of Baytown, Texas; and Haley D. Cook of Orange, Texas; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Margaret E. Cook; son, James W. Cook of Baytown, Texas; and second wife, Helen Cook.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held for Mr. Cook at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
His family paid this tribute to him, “Our Dad was strict, and taught us the value of working, and respecting others. In tough and good times he always provided a roof over our heads and food to eat. He was kind and helped many a friend in need. He will be missed.”
