Virgil Eugene Cook

Heaven had no idea what hit when Virgil Eugene Cook went sliding in on August 1, 2026. He was surely greeted by God, his parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, and his beloved wife of 38 years, Janice Marbut Cook. Joining in the party was no doubt all of the precious and spoiled pets he had over the past 77 years.

If you measure a life by the number of laughs shared, memories made, and good times had, Virgil lived life to the absolute fullest. He remained friends with many from his school days. He made many along the way through his work and interests.

In elementary and junior high, he was the cool kid – the one with a cool bike that would pop wheelies and show off for anyone that would watch.

In high school, he was the cool guy – the guy with a cool car - a hotrod, a loud one with a great stereo and a big engine. He would drag race up and down “the drag” and hang out at Bill Jones. The girls thought he was cute and the guys wanted to be like him.

Throughout his career as “the telephone man,” he remained the cool guy – the one with the cool cars, motorcycles, and boats. His employment at GTE, Verizon, and then his company Cook Connections introduced him to countless friends that would remain as such for the rest of his life.

For the past two years, Virgil was the cool guy that went to Kozy Kitchen, Sugar High Bake Shop, and Roll House to enjoy his favorite foods. He was surely the coolest patient caregivers from Home Instead had. He was ready to go by the time they pulled up in the driveway. In addition to eating at his spots, he enjoyed riding all around town, showing them different interesting places, buildings and businesses where he took care of the phone systems, the lakes, the river, places that many see daily but may take for granted. He had stories to tell about all of them.

Stories – mostly all true – are countless of the hilarious, shocking and absolute fun he had with so many people, literally up until June of this year. Thankfully he was a great storyteller and remembered so many good times. Virgil had a love of motor racing – all kinds – drags, boats, bikes, but his favorite was NASCAR. He seldom, if ever, missed a Sunday afternoon of stock car racing. He was glad to have football when the racing season ended and was a lifelong fan of the Cowboys, win or lose. He believed everyone in Texas should be a Cowboys fan.

He also had a great love of all the birds he fed as well as the stray cats. As much as he teased Janice about feeding all the strays, he picked up right where she left off and did the same. He once stated that he had to be sure the birds were fed or Janice would reach straight down from heaven and let him know about it. He truly cherished her and while he did learn to continue making memories after her passing, his heart never healed. He told his family just last week that he was ready to go be with Janice.

May Virgil’s awesome sense-of-humor comfort those that will miss him dearly. We must rest easy knowing that he is where he wants to be.

His family sends utmost gratitude to the staff at Springs Memory Care and Regency House. Thank you for taking such great care of him. To the office staff and caretakers at Home Instead, our arms wrap around each of you that have traveled this chapter alongside us, loving him, and allowing him to be at his home. There are truly not enough words to express the appreciation we have for you. You have become family and we won’t forget. Meadow Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation, thank you for showing us the amount of genuine care & support that can be poured on a resident as well as their family in only a matter of days. Gentiva Hospice, our time with you was short but vital and full of love and care and compassion. Thank you.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Harper Funeral Home. The Graveside Service will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the amazing Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. This is what he elected when Janice passed as well.

In the last words between DW and VC…

See ya’ later, alligator. After while, crocodile.

Family and friends may share their condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com