Irma Eugene Cook, of New Market, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 16, 1940, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to the late Irma Kenneth Cook and Grace McCoy. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Alva Floyd Roy Cook; his sister, Rena Marie Eash; and his grandson, Austin Keith Cook.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Barbara June Cook; his three children, Philip Cook (Stephanie), Brian Cook (Diana), and Barbara Cook-Merryman; his brother, Randall Cook; and his sister, Elsie Bush. A proud family man, Mr. Cook leaves behind ten grandchildren, Tyler Cook (Deborah), Dalton Cook (Ashley), Brianne Finch (Wesley), Lane Cook (Kelsey), Megan Gilliam (Phillip), Michael Merryman (Ellie), Josh Lack (Brooke), Grace Johnson (Jared), Natalie Rogers, and Paige Merryman; as well as ten great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
Mr. Cook graduated from Redwood High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army from May 27, 1957, to May 26, 1960, receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO-4). Following his military service, he dedicated more than 35 years to the Department of the Army, specifically the Army Missile Support Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. During his career, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo and Athens State College, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.
Mr. Cook will be remembered for his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, and the quiet but enduring lessons he taught through the life he lived.
Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. There will not be a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude (Stjude.org) or
The Russel Hill Cancer Foundation at the Clearview Cancer Institute (Russelhill.org).
