Stephen Ercy Cook

Stephen Ercy Cook, 71, of Frankfort, died on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.

He was born July 4, 1941, in Frankfort, the son of Wendell E. Cook and L. Dolores “Dody” Cantwell Cook Miller.

On January 9, 1960, he married the former Barbara M. Stoddard; she preceded him in death.

Stephen attended Frankfort High School.  He served in the United States Marine Corp during the Cuban Missile Crisis at the “Bay of Pigs.”  Stephen was a member of the American Legion, and life time member of both the VFW and the Marine Corp. League.  He was a graduate of Smiles Unlimited Clown University and was twice awarded Clown of the Year in the state of Indiana.  Stephen was truck driver and logged over four million miles throughout his 42 years driving.  He would always say, “Been everywhere; seen nothing.”

Surviving are his companion, Phyllis Vickers; children, Stephen E. (Gracie) Cook, Jr., Wendell E. Cook (companion, Ramona), and Stephenie L. (Doyne) Whiteman; step-sons, Bert A. (JoBeth) Gates and Larry S. Gates (companion, Suan); sisters, Michele (Max) Smith and Rise Compton; grandchildren, Stephen E. Cook III, Jared M. Whiteman, Brandi N. Cook, Sauna L. Whiteman, Christopher Cook, Nathan Cook, and Nicholas Cook; step-grandchildren, Bert Gates, Jessica Gates, Zoe Gates, and Miranda Gates Miller; four great grandchildren, and one nephew, Coby B. Smith.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Arygle D. Miller; and one brother, Dennie Miller.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Rossville United Methodist Church in Rossville, from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rick Jones officiating.

Memorials in Stephen’s name may be made to the Clinton County Humane Society.