Charles Lebron Cook

Charles Lebron "Chuck" Cook, 83 of Battle Creek died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Charles was born April 7, 1938 in Rossville, Georgia to James Claude and Frances Lennie (Gilbert) Cook. He grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he attended school until joining the U. S. Air Force. His 20-year career with the U.S. Air Force, honorably serving his country, took him to numerous places, including Thailand, France, Hawaii, Florida and stateside at Fort Custer in Battle Creek and retired from Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. In 1976, he retired as a Supply TSGT. His second 20-year career was at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center, retiring in 1998 as Chief Supply Officer.

Charles Lebron Cook was united in marriage to Mary Ann Oversmith on June 4, 1968 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek. Surviving is Mary Ann, his wife of 53 years; children, Leilani (William) Switzer of Kalamazoo, Chuck (Elizabeth) Cook of Grand Rapids, Donna (James) Vandefifer, Jr. of Fife Lake, Dawn (Greg) Ferris of Portage, Charles L. (Loan) Cook, Jr. of Holland, Cliff Cook of Portage, Ray Cook of Holland; 26 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; a brother, Rick (Becky) Floyd of Chattanooga; a special cousin he grew up with, Sonny Crabtree of Chattanooga; three sisters-in-law, Marlyne Groves, Julie Oversmith and Patricia (Dale Martin) Paul all of Battle Creek; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, James Cook; mother and stepfather, Frances and Johnny Floyd; a brother, James Cook and three brother in laws, Lorin Oversmith, Philip Paul and Kenneth Groves.

Chuck loved his wife of 53 years. He was very close to his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed dancing, bowling, golfing, volleyball, fishing, horseshoes and was an enthusiastic fan of the Dallas Cowboys Football team. He also enjoyed playing cards together with friends and family. While raising their children he followed his children's sporting events and never missed one. Sometimes traveling to several games on the same day. Later in life he built a home for his family, trying his best to provide a comfortable home for everyone. With seven children there was never a dull moment, many memories were made, and he was later blessed with his grandchildren who called him Grampy. Chuck will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed by many.

Friends will be received 4:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2022. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/662391462 or you may also view it on the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home Facebook page. Military honors by American Legion Post #45 Honor Guard and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard; and interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Maple Grove Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Personal messages for the family may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.