Lee Cook

W. Lee Cook, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.

Lee was born on June 20, 1929, in Auburn, Indiana, to Samuel and Nettie (Miller) Cook.

He married Marilyn Tuttle on Dec. 30, 1951, and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Cathy (Bill) Beckman, of Fort Wayne, Terry Harris, of Bluffton and Jone (Hack) Jordan, of Auburn; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Helen Eschleman and Virginia White; brother, Lorin “Bud” Cook; and a granddaughter.

Lee grew up on the family farm in rural Auburn.

After graduating from Garrett High School in 1948, he continued to farm until drafted into the Army in 1951. Over his service time Lee was promoted to Cpl. and served as a cook at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Lee served from 1951 to 1953. Lee received letters of Commendation and Appreciation for "Superior" inspection rating for his unit mess hall.

After his Honorable Discharge in 1953, Lee and his family returned to rural Auburn, where he continued his passion for dairy farming. He was recognized for more than 25 years of patronage to Allen Dairy.

Lee retired in 1991, but continued to help the Haynes Boys until he completely retired in 2020, at the age of 90.

Lee and his wife Marilyn enjoyed wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida, for 17 years, where they made wonderful new friends. Lee enjoyed golf, euchre and bowling.

Lee was a recipient of the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana to Washington D.C., on Sept. 13, 2023. Lee shared the humbling experience with everyone and said how much he enjoyed sharing this trip with his three daughters. During the trip, he was recognized as the oldest veteran on the flight at age 93. Many thanks to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Lee loved letting everyone know that he and his wife were married for 73 years.

We thank Astral at Auburn and Parkview Hospice for the care showed to our father.

A celebration of Lee’s life will take place at noon on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with Laura Van Voorhis officiating. 

Burial will take place at Christian Union Cemetery in rural Garrett with military honors being conducted by the United States Army and the American Legion Post 178 of Garrett. 

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, May 10, 2025, prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be directed to DeKalb County Horsemen’s Association, P.O. Box, 16, Auburn, IN 46706 or Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, P.O. Box, 5, Huntertown, IN 46748.

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