Charles Cook

Charles Herman Cook, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2012, just five days short of his ninety-second birthday. He was surrounded by family, friends and his devoted pet, Mollie.  He was the son of the late Louis and Josephine Robertson Cook. He was the widower of Lillian LaNeave Cook, to whom he was married 41 years.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Tom and four sisters: Mamie, Kate, Maude and Gladys. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Odette and four daughters: Jean (Mike) Darnell of Newport News,VA,  Nancy Bates of Crewe, VA, Sandra Drinkard of Amelia, VA and Peggy (Jeff) Echols of Roanoke, VA, three stepdaughters: Sylvie (Tom) Moore, Christina (Ray) Green, and Valerie Grant. Herman cherished his grandchildren Jennifer (Eddie) Bennett, Janie (Ryan) Slominski, Kelly Drinkard, Will Echols and 8 step grandchildren: Daniel (Kristin), Karen, Evan, Kevin, Kristen, Andrew, Allison, Thomas, 2 great grandchildren: Kaylie, Brayden, and 2 step great grandchildren: Madeleine and Jon. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Andre` (Monique) Zwillinger and Juliette Pilsa of France, numerous loving nieces and nephews both in the United States and France, and a special friend whom he considered as his son, David (Sandra) Myers of Burkeville,VA. He was fondly known as “The mayor of Dutchtown,” a name he was given as a young adult and was referred to as such for decades. Herman was born on his farm and died at his place of birth. While others list their academic credentials, Herman’s love of the land, which he proudly farmed, was his lifelong work. He was a dairy farmer of the first order, and was often sought out for his advice from younger farmers. Upon retirement, this humble man, whose area of expertise was his cultivation of the land, became a world traveler and together with his Parisian born wife, Odette, discovered the “old world” and its ancient beauties. He was a magnet to friends of all ages. Young and old admired his wit, sunny smiles and helping hands. With his passing, an era of gentle living is gone. He referred to himself as just a dairy farmer and influenced scores of generations by his wisdom and friendship. He was a deacon and lifelong member of Burkeville Presbyterian Church. He loved to sing and it was natural that he sang in the choir. His faith was unshakeable, and today he entertains the angels. Visitation will be held Monday, May 7, from 6-8 pm at the Burkeville Presbyterian Church and where funeral services will be conducted, 11 am Tuesday, with interment to follow in the Crewe cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests your loving contributions be made to the church he loved, Burkeville Presbyterian Church, 314 McLean St, PO Box 311, Burkeville, VA 23922. The Shorter Funeral Home of Farmville is serving the family. www.shorterfuneralhome.com