David “Dave” Michael Cook

David (Dave) Michael Cook passed away on October 15, 2022 after a short-term illness. David was born on March 13, 1956 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Ronald and Dorothy Cook. David lived a life of adventure, enjoying time in the outdoors boating, fishing and exploring the desert of Arizona. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974 and is legendary for his senior stunt which involved removing the doors to the high school and driving his white VW bug down the hall.  He knew how to fix almost anything and operated his own small engine repair business for several years. Early in his life, he built a number of cable television systems in communities across Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Arizona. This work led to him installing and troubleshooting residential and commercial IT services. Most recently, he owned a handyman business. He enjoyed helping others and never met a stranger. As a very skilled woodworker, he particularly found great fulfillment in building furniture and toys for his children and grandchildren, which will be forever cherished.

David is survived by his wife, Marijane (MJ), who he married in February 2011. He is also survived by his daughters Katie McCormick of Lawrence and Tara Gilbert (Bill) of Camden, Tennessee, stepson Randy Claspell (Lisa) of Troy, Michigan, stepdaughter Cayla Ornelas (Jose) of Tucson, Arizona, stepdaughter Susie Turner (Rowdy) of Battle Creek, Michigan, his mother Dorothy Cook, brother Darren Cook (Susan) sister Diane Stoddard (Brian) and nephews Dustin, Derek, Nathan and Adam all of Lawrence. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Bria, Paisley, Jack, Winston, Samuel, Harley, Rose, Paige, and Dominic.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 at Warren-McElwain in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to Lawrence Habitat for Humanity and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.