J.E. Cook

Pastor J.E. Cook was born in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, on May 20, 1942. He passed away August 16, 2023, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

J.E. pastored for over 50 years at churches in Indiana and Oklahoma, his last pastorate was at Crossway Baptist Church, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, which he founded and actually did physical labor in building and adding on to the church. He also founded Pine Grove Baptist Church in Indian, and helped with the physical building there as well. During his ministry, he had the privilege to baptize his grandchildren Jennifer, Logan, Brianna, and Maxx. He went on several mission trips, from Alaska to Louisiana, and anywhere else in between that he could be of help.

He studied at Moody Bible College in Chicago, Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana Baptist College in Indianapolis, Southwest Baptist Dallas, and obtained a Masters of Divinity and a degree in business administration.

Pastor Cook is survived by his life of 59 years, Viola R. Cook; two sons, Jay Eric Cook and wife Tammy, and Darren Ray Cook, both of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; sister Artie Carlon, of Monon, Indiana; special granddaughters Jennifer Hawn and husband Chris Moore of Harriman, Tennessee, Penelope and Guinivere Bloschichak of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; two grandsons Logan Eric Cook and wife Brianna and Maxx Ethan Cook of Tahlequah, Oklahoma;great grandson Cash Hawn of Oak Ridge, Tennessee;twins Rooney Nicole and Devin Rose Cook of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents A.E. Cook and Christina Tucker Cook; brother Gerald Franklin; sister Ella Rebecca.

J.E. loved his great grandchildren, grandchildren, and family, spending time with them was the highlight of his life. He enjoyed taking the grandkids all across the United States, and doing fishing trips with them following Logan around with his football games, Maxx with his band trips, and Jennifer with her ballet and bike rides.

He loved gospel music; hima nd Viola traveled all over the country to attend concerts. He was especially proud to sing special music in church with his grandson Maxx. J.E. was able to study vocal music with Gloria Shane, who also taught Jimmy Durante and others in the music field.

Pastor Cook loved his Tennessee Vols, and watched all their games, and one time being able to go on the field with them and to their press conference after. It was one of his most enjoyable days. J.E. also followed the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.

He has left behind many a great family and friends, but has gottwn to meet up with many others who went before him. He was a very kind, special person, and as his son Jay said, "I never heard him raise his voice." Throughout the years of sickness, he never missed and opportunityto witness to everyone, and tell them "BY THE WAY DID I TELL YOU? GOD LOVES YOU!"