Thomas M. Cook

Thomas Milton “Tom” Cook, 84, of Abilene, Texas, passed away at home on July 30, 2026, with his daughters near. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Caregivers at Chisholm House Assisted Living and Enhabit Hospice for the caring and dedicated support they provided to Tom and the girls the past few months. Thank you Omar, Tom’s Visiting Angel and last new friend for brightening Tom’s days in a way no one else did.

A graveside service will be held on September 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Elliott-Hamil’s Garden of Memories Cemetery 5701 US Highway 277 South Abilene.

A memorial reception will immediately follow at Abilene Heritage Square, 1699 South 1st Street, Abilene, TX 79602, in the Hodges Reception Area on the third floor, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family asks that guests enter through the main entrance facing South 1st Street and take the elevator located just inside.

Tom was born in Freer, Texas, on September 18, 1941, to M.H. Cook Jr. and Virginia B Lamore Cook. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and continued his education at McMurry College in Abilene, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1965.

Tom began his career as a teacher at Nisley Elementary School in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he taught from 1965 to 1972. His years in the classroom remained a treasured part of his life, and he often shared stories about his students—from holding marching-band practice during his PE class to the student who spelled “relief” as “ROLAIDS” on a spelling test.

One especially meaningful reminder of those years was a white angel ornament given to Tom by a student in 1970. He hung it on his Christmas tree every year. During the final three Christmases of his life, it was one of only two ornaments he chose to display.

Colorado also gave Tom countless opportunities for adventure. He enjoyed hunting and camping on Grand Mesa, skiing, and sharing other winter activities with friends. He delighted in convincing his young daughters that the Swiss Miss pictured on the hot-chocolate package would come to life and visit with him beside the campfire.

Tom’s years in Grand Junction and the friendships and memories he made there remained with him throughout his life. In 1972 he returned to Texas and joined the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, serving Texans with disabilities as a Vocational Rehab Counselor for 27 years. During his tenure, Tom formed many close friendships and delighted in retelling stories of the outrageous pranks he and his colleagues played on one another.

After retiring from TRC, Tom devoted much of his time to owning and operating a cattle ranch, which remained an important part of his life until his death.

Tom married Kathy Lyons in Abilene on October 21, 2000. He quickly learned to enjoy Cajun cooking—never complaining as he often traded potatoes for rice. During their earlier years together, Tom and Kathy took great pleasure in traveling to Abilene High School football games during the Eagles’ successful seasons, attending faithfully through rain, shine, snow, and ice. Tom and Kathy enjoyed researching their family histories and traveling to numerous Civil War sites, where they discovered more about their ancestors. They also embraced RV life, visiting many of the nation’s grand national parks from east to west and north to south. Tom’s sense of adventure was always evident. In 2013 Tom and Kathy adopted Gumbo, their giant grey “talking” tabby cat.

Tom was a gifted storyteller. Many friends will also remember Tom’s repeated stories about his years on the debate team and his participation in the drama program at AHS—a reflection of how much he treasured those memories. As he recounted his hunting and fishing adventures—or the escapades of his blue heeler, “Ole Blu”—listeners could see the sparkle in his blue eyes and hear his wonderful sense of humor.

He was a loving husband, father, faithful friend, and “Pocky,” a title he wore with great pride. His grandchildren loved the jokes Pocky would try to pull on them. He treasured time with them at the ranch, where they practiced shooting, popped fireworks, fished, learned to drive the truck up and down the rocky roads, and laughed together along the way. They grew up knowing Rosie and Daisy, the ranch’s two donkeys, and feeding them crackers. Beneath one of the ranch’s great oak trees is even a very special “pet cemetery.”

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 25 years, Kathy Walters Cook, his parents, father M.H. Cook Jr., devoted stepmother Lera Fleming Cook and mother Virginia LaMore Taylor.

He is survived by his daughters, Kristin Daniel and husband Jay of Martindale, Texas, and Kendra Clark and husband Todd of Conroe, Texas; stepdaughter, Susan Hruza Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas; grandsons, Nate Clark and wife Megan, Ben Clark and wife Hannah; granddaughters, Kassy Daniel and Kaelin Clark; great-grandsons, Jack and James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following:

Abilene High School Alumni Fund https://aef.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1066

McMurry University Student Scholarship Fund https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mcmurryfund/info/FY26AFSMEOFY

West Texas Rehabilitation Center New Abilene Building Fund https://westtexasrehab.org/online-donation/

Tom leaves his family with a lifetime of treasured stories, ranch adventures, familiar jokes, and laughter. We find comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with Kathy, and we will always remember him as our Dad and our Pocky.