John Wayne Cook

John Wayne Cook, 67, of Cuero, formerly of Gonzales, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012.

He was born Dec. 5, 1944, in San Antonio, the son of John D. and Maude Wright Cook. He was a graduate of Gonzales High School Class of 1962, a graduate of Abilene Christian College Class of 1966, and was a retired youth and family counselor with Connections in New Braunfels. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He married Jessica Sapp in 1988. He was an experienced pilot and was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, an accomplished marksman and a member of the NRA and the Elks Lodge. He was an avid photographer and had a passion for history, especially the Civil War period. He was a business owner and entrepreneur. His love for fixing things made him a “true shade tree” mechanic.

He is survived by his wife Jessica of Cuero; sons Brandon Travis Cook of Austin, John Matthew Cook and wife Tara of New Braunfels and Phillip Nathan Cook of Austin; step-son Donovan Dekowski and wife Cindy of Yoakum; and step-daughters Jennifer Jones and husband Brian of Conroe, Christy Fabriguze of Spring, Stacey Hull and husband Curtis of Yoakum and Carey Patton of The Woodlands. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Shawn Allen Cook and grandson Dustin James Cook.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 23, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the funeral home with interment to follow at the IOOF cemetery. Pallbearers include John Dillon Cook, Ryan Travis Cook, Jeff Lookabill, Devon Dekowski, Allan Gasch Jr., Scott Gasch and Christopher Gasch. Honorary pallbearers include Logan Jasso, Ryan Gasch and Mikal Gasch. Memorials may be made to the Gonzales Youth Center. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.