Richard J. Cook, 80 of Decatur died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at his residence. A lifelong resident of Adams County, he was born on September 12, 1926 to William and Pearl Gause Cook. Richard was united in marriage to Lois V. Bauman, on August 27, 1949 she passed away December 12, 1998. Richard served his country during World War II in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater. He retired on October 1, 1991 from Central Soya with 20 ½ years of service. In his youth he bailed hay & straw for the Feasel Farms and worked at Stewarts Bakery. Prior to working at Central Soya he was employed by the Gerbers Dairy in Bluffton. Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. Roger (Cheryl) DeRoo of Monroe Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Doug (Carla) Tumbleson , and daughter, Mrs. Don (Carol) Dailey both of Decatur, Indiana, daughter, Charlotte Cook of Markle Indiana, son, Rick (Mindi) Cook Monroe, Indiana, sister, Isabelle King, brothers, Herb Cook, and Virgil Cook all of Decatur. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by five sisters, Hazel Johnson, Josephine Hirschy, Opal Hess, Rosie Lough, and Betty Kipfer and by six brothers, Les, Roy, Willie, Wilbur, Dale, and Albert Cook. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, with Rev. Michele Isch officiating. Burial will be in the Decatur Cemetery. Friends will be received by family on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Adams County Heart Club, or the Adams County Community Foundation Angel Fund " Heart. Richard will be honored by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard with military graveside services.
