David "Dave" Cook passed away on July 1, 2026. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on December 3, 1957, to James Ernest Cook and Magdalena Lizbeth (Tillwokat) Cook, Dave lived a life defined by adventure, craftsmanship, deep-rooted kindness, and an immense heart for others.

Because his father served in the military, Dave experienced many places growing up before graduating from Wetumka High School in 1976. Demonstrating the hardworking spirit that would stay with him all his life, he trained as a butcher in school and later answered the call to serve his country, joining the Army (Co 2/63rd Armor, 1st Inf. Division out of Fort Riley, KS), earning M-16 Rifle Marksman and Hand Grenade Sharpshooter decorations.

As a young man, Dave had a passion for the outdoors and excitement—whether he was riding bare bronc, bull riding, wrestling, or taking adventures on foot and on his Harley. He eventually settled into a life of building and creating. After starting his own construction company, David Cook Construction, an injury on the job led him to return to school at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) to study cabinet making and carpentry. He went on to lend his exceptional craftsmanship to Country Coach and Forest River.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, Dave faced his illness with resilience and found an unexpected community and passion working on a marijuana farm with Oregon Dreams, believing it helped him fight his cancer longer and gifting him many lifelong friendships.

Dave’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was the beloved husband of Janeece (Jamieson) Cook, whom he married on March 21, 2001, in Lebanon. He was a devoted dad to many but, most importantly to Rebecca King, Jessica Wright, Kaitlynn Cook, and Calley Cook, and a loving stepdad to Jasmine & Forrest (Blakesley) Jones.

A man of many talents and hobbies, Dave loved to fish, camp, rock hunt, play cribbage, metal detect, and make music on his guitar, flutes, and harmonica. He cherished taking road trips to see family and experience new places. Above all, he was known for his incredible generosity and humor. If there was a need, Dave helped fill it, volunteering countless hours doing construction work on people's homes, at Heritage Hall in the Kepi Nak-Nak Commons, and visiting people in the hospital to pray with them. His favorite thing to say to his family was, "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

Dave is survived by his wife, Janeece; his daughters, Rebecca, Jessica, Kaitlynn, and Calley; his stepdaughter, Jasmine; his siblings, Nancy Cook, Janice Welch, and Bob Cook; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and a nephew and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jimmie Cook and Michael Cook and a half sister Mary Ann Tillwokat.

A potluck Celebration of Life will be held on August 1, 2026, 1 P.M. at River Park in Lebanon. Flowers may be sent to the family's address in Monroe. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made via GoFundMe at gofund.me/6f6f43bc9.