Eileen Cook, age 85, passed to our heavenly father on Friday, July 21, 2017, in Crestview, Florida. Her strong will to live, abiding faith, love and support from family and friends supported her in illness over the past six weeks. She is joining her husband of 67 years, Jim, who went to be with our Lord in May, 2016. She is survived by five children, John (Linda) Cook, Susan (Jack) Sexton, Ken (Cyndi) Cook; Jane Ward; and Rita Cook. Eileen had also been blessed with 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The sixth of seven children, she is also survived by her younger brother Bob Sutman, sister-in-law Charlotte Sutman, sisters-in-law Goldie Kitchens and Sharon Cook, brother-in-law Lowell Cook, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
Eileen was born on April 6, 1932, in Decatur, Illinois, to parents Roy Frank and Helen Catherine Sutman. She married the love of her life—Jim Cook—on October 2, 1948. In 1956, the family moved to Fort Walton Beach after Jim accepted a civil service job at Eglin AFB. Settling in their new home on Rainbow Drive, the Cook family was blessed to be surrounded by friends that were considered family. There was always a warm welcome and open door to the Cook home, embracing all those entering--treasuring the connections that lasted over the years. Known for her ease in conversations with even total strangers, as well as a simple and down-to-earth demeanor, Eileen had a signature trademark of quick wit and dry sense of humor—all of which earned the trust and hearts of many. Eileen was busy as a homemaker and raising the children until she began work as a bookkeeper at First National Bank of Okaloosa County, where she retired after 20 years. In retirement, Eileen and Jim enjoyed traveling and the busy life of being doting grandparents/great-grandparents. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her large, extended family and friends, and keeping up with the grandkids’ birthdays and activities. She loved to host or attend family/friends holiday get-togethers and simply enjoy a life surrounded by those she loved. Eileen was a proud member of the First Christian Church of Fort Walton Beach, alongside Jim, variously teaching Sunday School and participating in bible study groups, continuing her devoted patronage to the church in Jim’s absence. In addition, she was active in the Elks and American Legion for many years, was always service minded within the community and favored many charities. A celebration of life service is scheduled for 1 p.m. at First Christian Church, Fort Walton Beach, with Rev. Dr. Roger Peadro officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. Pallbearers will be Jody Watts, Roy Graves, Joshua Ward, KC Cook, Tyler Cook, Jason Marshall, Brian Rogers and William Vaivada, with honorary pallbearers Bob Baril and Dallas Cochran. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church Building Fund at 201 St. Mary Avenue, Fort Walton Beach 32548. Expressions of love and sympathy can be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com

---

 Service Information