Conrad Cook

Conrad Dayton Cook, 84, of Mansfield, died Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at his home. Born December 26, 1924, in Matoaka, West Virginia. He was the son of Jamison and Minnie Wright Cook. Joining the Navy when he was a junior in High School, he was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 as a Radio Operator 2nd Class where he was involved in the Normandy Invasion. He attended the U.S. Naval Training School at Northwestern University. Conrad graduated from Concord College with a Bachelor Degree, earning tuition money by tutoring other students. He earned his Master Degree in Education from West Virginia University over several summers and also attended Bowling Green State University attaining several hours above his Master Degree. In 1957, he met his wife, Esther, marrying in 1958 and in March of 2009, celebrated 51 years of marriage. Conrad began his teaching career in West Virginia, moving to Mansfield after visiting his brother one summer. While in Mansfield, he taught at the Mansfield Reformatory, then Woodville Schools, moving to Madison South and teaching 8th Grade English for 30 years. Nearly all his summers were spent running a seal coating business or Bellville Dairy Belle. Throughout the years, he worked with Judge Arbaugh enforcing child support laws. Conrad enjoyed literature of all kinds, but especially enjoyed Shakespeare. His trademark was storytelling and reciting poetry, as well as telling a good joke. A man blessed with a caring heart, Conrad never met a stranger and was always willing to help others, even arranging a haircut for a student in need. He was a member of the First Christian Church and Mansfield Masonic Lodge #35 F. & A.M. Conrad was a supporter of the Madison Athletic Department for over 50 years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, classical music, and the friendship of his family and students.

He is survived by his loving wife, Esther Pasco Cook; four children, Marla Cook Richard Carmichael, Philip Cook, Susan James Chelski and David Kimberly Cook; grandchildren, Candace Tim Watterson, Benjamin Holmes, Carole Adam Levering, Ashley Hale, Quinton Cook, Charles Misty Cook, Brittany Holt, Brandyn Holt and Bridyn Cook; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Ophelia Karnes of WV; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Paul and Jamison Cook; and two sisters, Geraldine Bailey and Isabelle Jackson.

Funeral services conducted by Pastor Chris Whitehead will be held Friday, December 4, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St. Friends may visit from 9-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Athletic Department.