Mervin Cook

We celebrate the life of Mervin Bernard Cook who died November 10, 2011. Merv was born in Austin, Texas on January 4, 1936, the only child of Ruth Pearson Cook and Irvin Bernard Cook. He graduated Brackenridge High School in San Antonio in 1953 and then began his study of music, one of his greatest passions, at the University of Texas on a full voice scholarship.

Merv was a member of the 1954 Sigma Phi Epsilon pledge class. His fraternity brothers became lifelong friends. The last several years, he celebrated 50th wedding anniversaries with the Sigma Phi Epsilon couples in whose weddings he sang.

In 1956, Merv and his friend, Eddie La Mair, joined the U.S. Army on the "buddy" plan. Merv would reminisce about being stationed in Germany, with tales of staying warm in the Signal Corps truck during winter maneuvers. In the summer they would meet up with UT co-eds on their European excursions.

In 1959 Merv returned to UT to get his B.A. in business and shortly after became President of the Sig Ep chapter. Two highlights of his fraternity years were the 1959 first place Sing Song with "Blessed Is the Man" and the Varsity Carnival sideshow in 1961 with "Old Man River".

His Sig Ep brothers introduced him to Cecelia Ann Small; they were married on September 21, 1963. Cecelia and Merv began their married life in Tyler and Gainesville, before returning to Austin. In Austin, Merv was in management with the Farmers Insurance Group regional office and the Austin Women's Club.

Cecelia and her friend Linda Walcowich established Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Catering. When Merv retired, he became Mother Hubbard. Little did people know that he was not only the workhorse, but also responsible for all the creative ideas and presentations. Mother Hubbard's was not just a family affair...brothers, sisters, children, parents and a host of wonderful helpers joined in to create wonderful and fun events.

Cecelia and Merv were confirmed as Episcopalians at the Church of the Good Shepherd where they enjoyed many years of friends and fellowship. Merv sang in the choir and was especially honored to be a member of the Even Song choir.

In 2004, Merv and Cecelia retired to their dream home at Lake McQueeney. There they were able to enjoy their passions of gardening and entertaining. Soon after moving to McQueeney, they joined St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Seguin and again Merv enjoyed singing in the choir. They cherish the new friends they made in Seguin and McQueeney and their lifelong friends in Austin.

Merv is survived by his wife, Cecelia; son Chuck and his wife Elizabeth and their children Catherine and Charles; and daughter Allison Cook and John Corll. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed and Pam Small of Austin and Cathy and Bill Horn of Flatonia and their families.

Over the last four years, Merv was blessed to be cared for by many wonderful people. The family would like to thank Drs. Tony Aventa, Thomas Carlson, James Cullington, Matthew Geck, Charlotte Smith and Norman Whisenant. They would also like to thank the nurses and staff from Central Texas Neuro Rehab, the staff and clients of the Seton Brain and Spine Rehab, the staff of the Wound Care and Physical Therapy department at Brackenridge and the nurses and staff of Guadalupe Valley Home Health and Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 201 East Nolte, Seguin, Texas.

For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions can be made to The Seton Fund, 1201 W. 38th Street, Austin, TX 78705, the St. Andrews Episcopal Church Music Fund, 201 E. Nolte, Seguin, Texas78155 or the charity of your choice.

God has raised him up on Eagles wings.