Jesse Calvin Cook

Jesse Calvin Cook was born on July 9, 1924, to James Alvin Cook and Myrtle Joyner in Ninnekah, Oklahoma.

The family moved to Amber when Jesse was 5. He attended all 12 years of school at Amber. The family had a dairy farm, and everyone had chores, so Jesse developed a strong work ethic. In 1941 and 1942, Jesse received awards for the highest individual showing of livestock. He was proud of that feat as it was unheard of for someone as young as Jesse.

He would talk about his family and his childhood on the farm and had many stories to tell. During his childhood years Jesse and his sister Thelma, would sing and tap dance during theater intermission. An important time in his life was when he made a profession of faith. He wanted his family to know the Lord as he did. Jesse assumed he would play baseball, a game he loved, but he had an injury to his hip joint at 14 which left him crippled for many years.

Jesse graduated high school in 1942 and went to work at Motor Service Company. He delivered parts on his bicycle. He worked his way up to manager in 1951. While working at Motor Service, he met the love of his life (Goldie) Christine Spradlin. They were married and attended First Baptist Church in Chickasha. After working for 18 years at Motor Service Company, Jesse was transferred to Auto Electric Sales and Service in Ardmore. He and Christine became members at First Baptist Church Ardmore where they faithfully attended. Jesse and Christine were die-hard OU Sooner fans and attended numerous games. At 55 advancements in medical procedures corrected his fused hip joint, allowing him mobility again to pursue more of his interests. He retired in 2003. He stayed busy by spending countless hours on the golf course perfecting his game. He also enjoyed playing his harmonica and loved an attentive audience.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife Christine, his son David, and countless other friends and relatives.

He is survived by his sister Thelma Wright of Norman Oklahoma, his son Howard Cook and wife Karen of Chickasha, grandchildren Shannon Cook of Oklahoma City, Tamara Balcer of Miamisburg Ohio, Serena Cook of Central Point Oregon and Lauren Niederhauser of North Pole, Alaska, along with numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Services will be at the First Baptist Church of Chickasha, on Monday, July 20, at 10:00. Burial will be held at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home.