Cook, Thomas Everett

Thomas Everett Cook

June 20, 1954 - May 23, 2016

Thomas Everett Cook, age 61 of Cayuga, IN passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Tom was born on June 20, 1954 in El Paso, TX. He was the son of Thomas M. and Claudia (Langdon) Cook. He graduated from North Vermillion High School in 1972, Manchester College in 1976 and received his Masters from Indiana State University in 1983. He married Patt Metzler in 1977. They raised their 4 boys in West Lebanon, Indiana where they were very active members of their community, and remained married for 37 years.

Tom was a teacher and coach for the last 39 years, starting at Milford High School in 1976, then Seeger High School, North Newton High School, Schlarman High School, McCutcheon High School, Benton Central High School (Coached), and back to Seeger High School where he had coached and taught since 1996. At Seeger he taught physical education and health. He coached football, including the 2003 state runner-up and the 2004 state championship teams, and wrestling, where he was the winningest coach in school history. He was an active member of the Indiana Football Coaches Association, Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association and was a two-time inductee into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was a member of the West Lebanon Christian Church.

In his free time he was an avid cyclist, runner, and general fitness enthusiast. Always a champion for the underdog, he volunteered much of his time to his students and athletes that needed him most. His favorite way to spend his free time was with his 4 boys.

Surviving are: 4 children, Zachary John Cook (Liz), Jesse Thomas Cook, Elijah Daniel Cook (Meagan), and Jacob Metzler Cook all of Bloomington, IN and their Mom, Patt of West Lebanon, his parents Tom and Claudia Cook of Cayuga, IN, 3 siblings, George Cook (Susan) of Monticello, IN, Dwight Cook (Jean) of Lafayette, IN and April Starkey (Chad) of Cayuga, IN, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Seeger High School gymnasium on Sunday, May 29, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until service time at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Roger Andrew McDaniel officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County Community Foundation, 31 N. Monroe St., Williamsport, IN 47993, where a fund in Coach Cook’s name is being established to benefit underprivileged student athletes.